Progressive Animal Wellness Continues its Efforts to Equip Local Fire Departments with Pet Oxygen Masks with Donation to West Hartford Fire Department

Last month, Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) in Avon held its second annual pet portrait event to raise money to purchase pet oxygen masks for local fire departments. Over $430 was raised and the money was used with an additional donation from PAW to purchase seven pet oxygen mask kits for the West Hartford Fire Department. PAW’s goal is to make this an annual event to help make sure all the local fire departments in the Farmington Valley are properly equipped.

“Unlike people, who know to exit a burning building, pets instinctively look for a place to hide and are more quickly overcome by smoke and fumes,” said Dr. Corey Shagensky, PAW medical director and West Hartford resident. “Special oxygen masks play a key role in reviving pets rescued from smoky situations. The masks can also be useful when pets are passengers in motor vehicle accidents.”

Photographers Amy Baione of Amy Brogna Baione Photography and Robert Schedinger of RJS Photography donated their time for the fundraiser. The cost of a sitting was a $15 donation. In addition to their time, the photographers donated 10 percent of sales from the event to the West Hartford Fire Department.

Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) has been voted Best Veterinarian the past three years by the Hartford Advocate. PAW’s veterinary services include vaccinations, teeth cleanings, digital radiology, in-house laboratory and pharmacy, a HEPA-filtered surgical suite, and electronic medical records. The clinic is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (860) 325-2124 or visit www.progressiveanimalwellness.com.