Vernon Pet CPR Class Shows Owners How To 'Save Lives'

VERNON, CT — About 40 Vernon residents gathered at Vernon Center Middle School Wednesday night for a Pet CPR and First Aid course by Paws N Claws 911.

The clinic was hosted by the town of Vernon and the Friends of Saxony Dog Park.

Participants learned basic first aid for their pets, how to perform CPR and rescue breathing, how to control an injured pet, how to treat choking and severe bleeding and other skills.

Instructor Tim Rinelli told the class that the goal of his training is not to replace a veterinarian, but to give pet owners the skills they need to stabilize an injured pet until proper vet care is available.

"The goal is that when there is an emergency, people will not feel helpless," Rinelli said. "These skills work."

The class featured intense hands-on instruction, with participants learning how to perform CPR on different sized dogs and pets.

"Being prepared for an emergency situation is something we emphasize," said Michael Purcaro, Vernon's town administrator and director of emergency and risk management. "When you take the time to prepare — whether it's training like this to help our beloved pets, preparing a first aid kit for your car or a home emergency kit, or learning how to respond to an emergency situation — it can help save lives."

Rinelli also shared tips on clearing a choking pets mouth, information about household plants that can poison pets, and controlling bleeding.

"I would take this course again," said Diana Drummond, the president of Friends of Saxony Dog Park. "It was hands-on, all our questions were answered and there was so much helpful information."

Vernon officials are considering hosting additional classes.