MiddletownJournal.com

MONROE — Every animal "deserves a chance" in life, according to a nonprofit organization known as Catnip and Carrots Animal Bunch of Monroe.

That's what encouraged the Ohio and Huntington Beach, Calif.-based organization, formed in 2005, to donate seven sets of animal respiratory masks — or seven sets of three for a total of 21 masks — to the city of Monroe's fire department and paramedic units during its meeting on Tuesday night.

Monroe Fire Chief Mark Neu said the masks will definitely help the department.

"This will help us do what we can do to make sure that all life is preserved," Neu said.

The 30-member volunteer organization purchased the devices, which will be carried on each emergency

vehicle in the department's fleet, from H.E.L.P Animals of Florida for $450.

The money to purchase the equipment was raised through fundraisers with money from its general fund, said Susan Wise, president of the organization.

Wise said the idea to purchase the life-saving equipment for animals got started as a result of wild fires in California.

"We've always been a big proponent of disaster preparedness," she said. "Being from California and earthquake country... and of course out here you have tornados, and it's always good to be a little bit more prepared. This (emergencies and disasters) affects not only our own pets, but also the search and rescue dogs and SWAT team dogs.

"We saw from Hurricane Katrina how people will risk their lives for a pet. We felt every animal deserves a chance," she said.

The oxygen mask sets consist of three various sizes — that include necessary tubing — made specifically to resuscitate dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets, Wise said.

All the firefighters and paramedics have to do is attach the mask to an oxygen tank, Neu said.

The devices truly make the difference in life and death situations and can be used in cases of smoke inhalation from a common house fire, a natural disaster, a terrorist attack or exposure to chemical fumes, fire officials said.

Monroe Assistant Fire Chief John Centers said he had never heard of this life-saving equipment, but is happy to have them added to the department's trucks.

"Though Monroe had only

30 house fires last year and just one involved a pet, the city will be ready to respond and help any animal in need of resuscitation," Centers said.

Along with animal welfare, spay/neuter and emergency assistance for low income senior or disabled pet owners, Catnip and Carrots Animal Bunch also are active in disaster preparedness education.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2595 or dewilson@coxohio.com.