Special mask saves dog's life

ST. PETERSBURG - Jingles has become the new poster-dog for an unusual fundraising effort in Pinellas County: his survival of a tremendous explosion Wednesday is attributed in part to special oxygen masks carried on Pinellas rescue units.

A veterinarian who treated Jingles at the scene says the dog needed oxygen because of smoke inhalation, and to slow swelling of his brain caused by severe head trauma.

"Fortunately, thanks to another dog named Wrigley, we have canine masks on the EMS trucks," said Dr. Elizabeth Baird.

Wrigley's previous owner committed suicide by asphyxiation and tried to take his best friend with him. Paramedics heard the dog moan, and struggled to get him on oxygen. They were able to revive him, but the experience launched a fundraising effort to equip rescue units with animal oxygen masks.

Paramedics say the masks get used more often than you would think.

"We don't have stats to prove it," says Clearwater Fire and Rescue Chief Jamie Geer. "But in my experience, we're about ten times more likely to find a pet in a burning home than we are to find a resident."

That first fundraiser was several years ago. Now dozens of masks need replacing.

"We're looking at 50 sets at about $70 a set," says Rick Chaboudy of the Suncoast Animal League. "And that's for Pinellas. Pasco's contacted us and they want 45 sets if it can be done."

Donations are also requested to pay for Jingles' treatment by the Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa. He suffered severe head trauma, smoke inhalation and burns among other injuries.

Dr. Myriam Reems says Jingles is in critical condition, and it will be several days before his fate becomes clear.

The cause of the explosion that injured Jingles and homeowner Duane Cole is still under investigation. Cole's injuries are described a non-life threatening.