Gravenhurst Volunteer Fire Department

Thanks to area businessman Guy Francis, local pets can breathe a little easier. Francis and his company, Invisible Fence Brand of Muskoka donated three oxygen mask kits to the Fire Department. The maskes are specially designed to fit dogs, cats and other pets and are connected to the department's oxygen equipment they carry for humans. "These masks could prevent pets from falling victim to smoke inhalation at fires," said Francis. Fire Chief Lorne McNeice was excited to get the donation. "The masks we use on humans don't properly fit animals," he said. "These masks fit the pet's snout to give them more oxygen." They have been placed in the front-line engines in each station. Invisible Fence is donating the kits to fire stations across North America,. They are valued at $225 each.

L to R: Fire Chief Lorne McNeice with Guy Francis and dog Sophie and Firefighter Scott MacRae with dog Miley try out the special dog masks Francis donated to the fire department.