By Brian Lockhart: Special

The New Tecumseth Fire Department received some new life saving equipment recently, but this special gear is designed for four-legged victims of disaster.

Eric Van Loo of Arctic Light Boarding Kennels donated several oxygen mask kits to the department that were created specifically for dogs and cats.

Although the main purpose of the fire department is to save property and human lives, they also help pets injured in fires.

Van Loo has been operating a kennel for 32 years and got the idea after a disastrous fire recently at a kennel on the 12th line of New Tecumseth resulted in the loss of several dogs.

Firefighters have helped pets suffering from smoke inhalation by administering oxygen at the scene but a mask designed for humans won’t fit on an animal.

“They’ll fit most dogs and cats,” Van Loo said of the new design. “They’re not available in Canada. I had to import them from Virginia.”

The masks come in three sizes with a rubber seal that fits over a dog or cat’s snout.

“I actually found them on the Internet. This idea happened after the fire at Maple Lane Goldens kennel on the 12th. I figured they’ve been helping me for here for 32 years, so it was time to give something back,” Van Loo said of his decision to donate to the department.

New Tecumseth Fire Chief Dan Heydon said the equipment will assist their efforts when pets are involved in a fire.

“It’s something we’ve dealt with this year more than ever,” Heydon said of the department’s involvement with animals.

“Mr. Van Loo saw a need for something. It’s something I wasn’t even aware was on the market. We’ve used o-masks on animals in the past, but these are actually designed for the animal. It’s a good piece of equipment.”

The new masks could give more than a breath of fresh air to a beloved pet, it could save their life.