Pet oxygen masks donated for fire rescues

A Saskatoon couple has donated 14 specialized oxygen mask kits for use in animal rescues by the local fire department.

Laurie and Rick Hopkinson learned about the equipment recently and thought it would be good for Saskatoon to have the devices.Their donation was unveiled Tuesday.

Until now, firefighters would use ill-fitting human oxygen masks to help pets in distress. The kits will make it easier for fire-rescue teams to tend to pets.

"Our fire department does such a great job helping the community," Laurie Hopkinson said Tuesday during a news conference. "One more tool would help them be able to save our pets. If you save one pet, its worth it."

The Hopkinsons spent about $2,000 on the equipment.