Emma Zen Hero Saving Pet Lives
Emma Zen hero saving pet lives.
by Robert Hudson
Debra Jo Chiapuzio is a hero for pets caught in a fire. She has saved lives by providing oxygen masks designed for animals to fire fighters, first responders, and search and rescue teams. It has had a huge impact for saving the lives of dogs, cats, and all sorts of animal pets such as pigs, small animals and even an Iguana! Over 7500 masks have been provided to fire rescue nationwide.
The Beginning
Debra founded The Emma Zen Foundation after adopting a dog that was rescued from a wild fire named Emma Zen. Emma became the namesake and face of the charity Debra had prior experience working with fire fighters in southern California who themselves had burn injuries. As a tattoo artist, she was able to tattoo over burn scars- even tattooing human hair over the scars. She used her contacts to introduce pet oxygen masks to local fire departments and provide training on how to use them.
I wondered how open they were to accepting the masks. “No convincing is needed,” she said. “You can only work with what you have and firefighters understand that our pets are our family. Over the years I have heard from the public and first responders alike, that by saving a pet, you save the heart of a human as well.”
She went on to explain, “In the beginning, we were reaching out to departments independently and now it’s our job to keep up with requests. I love it because that right there tells you how accepted this equipment is. Before Pet Oxygen Masks there was nothing. Human masks do not fit animals. Our masks are shaped like a cone and fits over a snout or muzzle. It has a seal that keeps the jowls closed and delivers oxygen directly through the nostrils. This simulates proper Pet CPR, and is much more efficient and effective.
Emma Zen Hero Saving Pet Lives
Debora Jo explained, “They are specifically made for animals. They fit dogs, cats, and other household-size pets. I have seen them on ferrets and even an iguana. The best ever was a NY Fire Fighter who put a hamster in one, the whole hamster, like a mini oxygen tank. It was so so cute and the hamster somehow managed to live.”
The masks are made by Surgi-Vet, a company that makes veterinary supplies. Debra became a distributor for them. Donations pay the price of 75 dollars for each kit. The kit consists of three different size masks. “They are for first responders only. We do not sell them to the public,” she told me.
“I first met Debra Jo when she attended a pet first aid and CPR class I was teaching. Her enthusiasm was infectious as was her desire to learn everything she could about pet oxygen masks. Since that moment in time, not only have we become dear friends, but I remain in awe of her accomplishments that have helped so many animals and will continue to help more. EmmaZen was her muse, her inspiration and motivation and lives on in the righteous work DebraJo continues. –Denise Fleck, The Pet Safety Crusader
The Emma Zen Foundation has lost its’ mascot but carries on the mission. It is 100% funded and dependent on donations from people like you. You can be part of this mission by donating. Only YOU can save these animals. This is not a charity that has big salaries to pay for or overhead. Your money goes directly to saving animals lives. Visit their web site today. Only you and caring souls like you can make a difference.
www.twitter.com/emmazen
www.emmazenfoundation.org
www.facebook.com/emmazenfoundation
