A Pet Sitter and Vet are Helping Save Pets' Lives by Providing the Necessary Equipment and Training to Fire Departments and First Responders... FIDO BAGS (C)

On Monday, August 5, 2013, an emergency vehicle pulled into the Cinnaminson Fire Station, but it wasn’t a fire truck, EMS, or fire police… rather, it was Dr. Lisa Aumiller and HousePaws Mobile Veterinary Service’s animal ambulance.

Thankfully, there was no emergency; however, there were two dogs at the station: One live, extremely sweet and cooperative Mastiff Pitbull mix rescue named Bella, the other, a somewhat rubbery dog, sporting an artificial femoral pulse and awaiting chest compressions and mouth-to-snout rescue breaths.

While it was a typical evening in the meeting room, with approximately 30-40 fire fighters, EMTs, and even a K-9 Search and Rescue Captain in attendance, this was a very different type of training, and everyone paid close attention as Dr. Lisa presented a hands-on lecture about Animal First Aid and CPR.

Most importantly discussed was the use of a pet-specific oxygen mask for animals, which was included in the FIDO BAG© presented to the Cinnaminson Fire Department on July 15, 2014, by I’ve Got the ‘Scoop’!, LLC, of Palmyra. Some of the other topics reviewed by Dr. Lisa were signs of smoke inhalation, emergency medical treatment, and updated veterinary standards for animal CPR. Demonstrations were done instructing everyone how to take vitals signs, perform the Heimlich maneuver for choking, and CPR on animals of varying sizes.

Although mouth-to-snout was not necessary, and there was no fire to fight, it surely heated up as I watched Cinnaminson Fire Chief William E. Kramer, Jr., and Deputy Fire Chief Ira Schonfeld enthusiastically participate in giving chest compressions to the model dog, and monitoring their compressions on a scale to ensure the proper amount of pressure was applied. Many fire fighters took advantage of the opportunity to feel for a femoral pulse on the live dog, Bella.

My name is Lori Genstein, and I am the owner and pet care provider of I’ve Got the ‘Scoop’!, LLC, in Palmyra, NJ. After learning over 40,000 pets lose their lives each year as a result of fires, I began a campaign to outfit New Jersey Fire Departments and first responders with FIDO BAGS©.

Through fundraising efforts at community events, generous client donations, and corporate sponsors, I’ve Got the ‘Scoop’!, LLC, raised money for a total of 14 FIDO BAGS© to date. Palmyra, Cinnaminson, and Pennsauken Fire Departments have already received FIDO BAGS© and training, and Riverton, Moorestown, Mt. Laurel, Delran, Marlton, Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Animal Response Team are being scheduled to receive FIDO BAGS©, and training with HousePaws shall follow.

FIDO BAGS© are assembled by the fetch Foundation, for use by first responders in the event of a fire or disaster, and contain life-saving equipment specifically designed for pets; namely, the most essential piece of equipment in the bag, a pet oxygen mask.

HousePaws is an in-home veterinary care service that has been providing traditional, holistic, and integrative medical treatment to pets in Southern NJ and Philadelphia, PA since April 2010. In Feb 2013, HousePaws opened their treatment center in Mt. Laurel, NJ, making them the first hybrid mobile practice in the state of NJ. For more information about HousePaws, please visit www.housepawsmobilevet.com

The fetch Foundation is a 501(c) 3 organization that is run completely by volunteers. This unique nonprofit charity is dedicated to serving the community while saving you and your pets. The fetchFoundation’s vision is to have a FIDO BAG© on every fire truck in the country. Additionally, rescued dogs are getting an opportunity to be heroes in our community with rehoming and training for both K9 Search and Rescue teams, as well as military veterans with PTSD. To learn more about the foundation, please visit their website, www.TheFetchFoundation.com

Businesses and individuals are encouraged to sponsor a FIDO BAG© for their community, as fire departments receive this life-saving equipment through donations only! The cost is only $100.

Be a savior for the animals in your town, while possibly saving your own beloved pet, and sponsor a FIDO BAG©! You may have it inscribed, at no additional cost, in honor of or to memorialize your pet or loved one, say thanks to an appreciated veterinarian, trainer, groomer, pet sitter, or any special animal advocate or lover deserving of recognition.

Want to become an animal hero… please volunteer to help obtain additional Fido Bags© and contact fire departments whom are recipients to schedule presentations and trainings. Contact me at (856) 906-7111 with any questions.

Helping to keep beloved pets healthy and safe... and pet parents informed!

Lori : )

I’ve Got the ‘Scoop’!, LLC

Professional Pet Sitting, Love, Enrichment, and Care… as though YOU were there!!!

(856) 906-7111

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