MESA, AZ – A small puppy is alive today thanks to the quick-thinking actions of Mesa firefighters and a life-saving tool designed specifically for pets in emergencies.
On the morning of February 21, the Mesa Fire and Medical Department responded to an apartment fire where food left on the stove had filled the unit with thick smoke. When crews arrived, they found a puppy struggling to breathe due to severe smoke inhalation.
Firefighters immediately deployed their FIDO Bag, a specialized pet oxygen kit designed to resuscitate animals suffering from smoke exposure. Using a veterinary O2 mask, they provided the puppy with fresh oxygen, helping it regain consciousness and breathe more easily.
Fortunately, the puppy made a full recovery, and no other injuries were reported. Firefighters also ventilated the apartment and advised the owner to follow up with a veterinarian.
A Game-Changer for Pet Rescues
For decades, first responders lacked the tools needed to give pets the best chance of survival in emergencies. The FIDO Bag, created by The Fetch Foundation, a nonprofit based in Cave Creek, Arizona, is changing that.
“We pull out more dogs and cats than actual humans,” said Phoenix firefighter Bobby Laufer, highlighting the need for pet-specific rescue equipment.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 40,000 pets die in fires every year. The Fetch Foundation’s founder, Marie Peck, created the FIDO Bag to help lower that number.
“What it means to our firefighters and police officers, knowing they can do something now,” Peck said. “Some of our older guys have told me, ‘If they only had it back in the day.’”
What’s Inside the FIDO Bag?
The Essential FIDO Bag comes equipped with:
- Veterinary O2 mask – Designed to wake unconscious animals and help them breathe.
- Leashes & water bowls – To secure and hydrate rescued pets.
- Lubricant jelly & gloves – For safe and effective emergency care.
- Wipes & a soft bag – For comfort and cleanup.
- Training video – To educate first responders on using the equipment.
The veterinary O2 mask is a key tool, helping revive pets by delivering fresh oxygen after being pulled from smoke-filled homes. It’s designed to be simple and firefighter-friendly, allowing first responders to act quickly in life-or-death situations.
A Life-Saving Mission
The Fetch Foundation is working to place FIDO Bags in fire and police departments nationwide, ensuring first responders have the tools they need to save more pets.
Thanks to their work—and the heroic efforts of Mesa firefighters—this puppy gets a second chance at life.
