Newtown Veterinary Specialists (NVS) has donated specially designed pet oxygen masks to Fairfield County fire companies to help firefighters save the lives of cats and dogs rescued from burning buildings.

Pet oxygen masks were donated to Wilton Fire Department in May, and more recently to Hawleyville Fire Company, Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, and Newtown Hook & Ladder.

Each fire company received a set of three masks in sizes small, medium, and large specially made to fit the faces of animals, from large breed dogs to small cats. While they work basically the same way they do for humans, pet oxygen masks are more effective than those designed for people because they fit the animals properly.

Bernadette Vinci, MS, director of hospital operations at NVS, said, “By donating pet oxygen masks we’re helping our hero firefighters save the lives of more animals. The masks are a great tool for our local fire companies to have onboard their trucks. For families who tragically lose everything in a fire, the loss of a pet adds to their devastation. But we know that our firefighters do everything in their power to prevent that from happening.”

NVS plans to donate masks to other fire companies in Fairfield County.

The life-saving project is dedicated to Lexi, a beloved 16-year-old black Labrador retriever who died earlier this year. The NVS staff was very touched by Lexi and the dedication of her proud owner, Ralph Nathanson, who is a firefighter and apparatus supervisor with Wilton Fire Department.

NVS, at 52 Church Hill Road in Newtown, is a 24-hour emergency, critical care and referral specialty hospital celebrating its second anniversary this year. The facility is staffed by board-certified veterinary specialists and highly trained emergency doctors. It has the most advanced diagnostic equipment and sophisticated treatment techniques to save the lives of critically ill and injured pets.

NVS staff works closely with primary care veterinarians to ensure seamless medical and surgical care as well as long-term pet health.