Girl Scout Strong: Bristol-Warren Troop Helps Save Lives of Pets

On June 27, fire departments and police departments from both Bristol and Warren received life-saving equipment to aid the rescue of pets caught in house fires.

Sixth graders from Girl Scout Troop 1155 gathered with their families and representatives from the towns' fire and police departments to present 12 pet oxygen mask kits to each of the departments. Bristol Fire Chief Michael DeMello, Warren Fire Chief James Sousa, and Warren Deputy Police Chief Joseph Loiselle were guests of honor at the ceremony. The ceremony marked the end of the Girl Scout Troop's year-long "Breathe" Leadership journey that required them to identify, examine and implement a sustainable solution to a community problem.

Libby, member of Troop 1155 said, "We know our jobs as youth leaders, citizens and humans is to better our world for the good of everyone. Girl Scouts gives us the opportunity to do that."

The specially-designed masks can be used on conscious pets that have suffered smoke inhalation, as well as pets that need to be resuscitated after losing consciousness from exposure to dangerous toxic fumes. Chief Sousa told the girls, "These masks are very valuable to us and they work! Without these oxygen masks, our team is forced to use masks designed for humans which do not fit properly and don't deliver the right concentration of oxygen needed for the animal."

The H2O kits were paid for using Troop funds generated through the Girl Scout Cookie Sale this past winter. Girls unanimously voted to use over $1,000 of their cookie proceeds to purchase the 12 kits and donate them for the good of the community.

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England is incredibly proud of the efforts these Girl Scouts have made to improve the resources in their communities. This is just one example of the incredible things Girl Scout troops do to make the world a better place.