By Jennifer Tierney

In February 2022, Fur-Ever Friends of NC (FFNC) will launch the Pet Oxygen Mask Donation Program to raise $10,000 so that each fire truck in Forsyth County can be equipped with two sets of pet oxygen masks. In 2008, FFNC provided life-saving pet oxygen masks for fire trucks in Forsyth County, NC. Over time, this equipment had degraded from use and must be replaced.

Just as with humans, when animals are rescued from a fire they often require oxygen to survive the trauma. “An estimated 40,000 pets die in residential fires each year, most from smoke inhalation, and 500,000 are affected overall.”¹

“The Winston-Salem Fire Department makes an effort to rescue and revive pets from fires that is equal to the effort to save human victims. Pet oxygen masks provided by Fur-Ever Friends help ensure pets have the best change to survive the effects of smoke inhalation. Support from Fur-Ever Friends helps us make a positive difference in the community.” -Trey Mayo, Winston-Salem Fire Chief

Fur-Ever Friends of NC was established in 2004 to improve the well-being of animals in our community. Since then, the organization has created several programs to provide for the otherwise unmet needs of pets who need our help to be healthy, comfortable, and happy.

• Rico Fund – Helps provide emergency veterinary care for those in need.
• Share The Warmth – Provides community outreach, access to warm bedding for outside animals, dog and cat food, and spay-neuter-vaccine vouchers.
• Nikon’s Fund – Contributes to the care of retired K-9 officers for the duration of their lives.
• Cruelty Investigation & Education – Conducts various training initiatives for law enforcement, rewards for assistance with cruelty investigations, and advocacy with state and local government for legal protections for animals.

For more information, visit our website at FurEverFriendsNC.org. There are three ways to donate! You may donate at FurEverFriendsNC.org/Donate, GoFundMe: Pet Oxygen Mask Donation Program – gofund.me/ddaad9d1, or send a check to P.O. Box 15742 Winston-Salem, NC 27113. All proceeds from this event will go to Fur-Ever Friends to purchase pet oxygen masks. Fur-Ever Friends of NC is a 501(c) (3) organization registered in the state of NC.