A north-east woman is donating dozens of oxygen kits to fire stations across the region – to save more pets.
Lorraine Cumming and the team at Boxer Welfare Scotland (BWS) have bought a supply of pet oxygen kits which they will hand over later this month.
The masks, which can fit any animal, will allow crews to assist pets trapped during a fire.
As well as beloved cats, dogs and even hamsters, the equipment can be used on livestock in the event of a fire in a field, farm or barn.
Mrs Cumming and the BWS team will give two pet oxygen kits to fire stations in Buckie, Elgin, Forres, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Banchory, Inverurie and Stonehaven.
A handful of kits will also be gifted to fire stations in the Western Isles and Orkney.
Mrs Cumming, 64, said: “We found out that fire appliances in Scotland did not have them and really wanted to change that as soon as possible.
“Animals – from hamsters to horses- are so important to people across Scotland and these kits can be the difference between life and death for them.
The kits will officially be handed over at the North East Pet Expo at Thainstone in Inverurie on November 30.
In a fun twist – which Mrs Cumming refers to as ‘boxers supporting boxers’ – Lee McAllister has promised to be in attendance.
The Aberdeen Assassin will come to support and raise awareness of the charity’s work.
Mrs Cumming, who lives in Longhaven, added: “It’s set to be a really good day and we do value Lee’s support.
“Buying the kits, while so important, has taken a substantial chunk out our finances.
“January will be 15 years since we became a registered charity and we would appreciate any donations or support.”
The charity, based in Peterhead, also rescues and rehomes boxers across the country – as well as taking in unwanted dogs from Europe.
So far this year they have rehomed 74 dogs and covered £30,000 of vet bills.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) senior officer Paul Devlin, who coordinates the allocation and distribution of these lifesaving small animal oxygen therapy kits, will be attending the North East Pet Expo to receive the kits donated by Boxer Welfare Scotland.
He said: “The generosity of the public has been astounding over the past three years with over 300 kits now on our fire engines across Scotland.
“Boxer Welfare Scotland’s incredible commitment to fund the donation of over 114 kits to SFRS is greatly appreciated and will make a genuine difference to our frontline personnel treating animals they rescue from fires or other incident types.”
To donate to BWS or find out more go to: boxerwelfarescotland.org.uk