Dr. Jo Ann Daniels wants to inspire others to support the cause
By Elizabeth Gwilt
When Eugene Storch received a phone call last June, he wasn’t expecting the shock of his life.
Storch was informed by his nephew that his San Antonio home had caught on fire, and by the time he had reached the scene, his thoughts went immediately to his three dogs: Peewee, RJ and Lil Jack.
His nephew had managed to snatch one of his dogs off the porch, and fortunately Pasco County Fire Rescue was able to rescue the other two. But when Storch finally got to see his pets, it looked like a tragedy at first.
“I got there and I saw my dogs on the lawn, and they weren’t moving. They looked like they were dead,” Storch said.
The heavy smoke had caused problems for the dogs, but the firefighters were equipped with oxygen masks specially designed for animals, and they were able to resuscitate them before taking them to a veterinarian.
“It was just a day full of surprises for me,” Storch said. “Those masks definitely saved my dogs, and I really appreciate the bravery of the fire department and vet.”
Storch doesn’t see his dogs as just pets, but as part of his family. Since he lives alone, Storch brings along Peewee, a Sharpei, and RJ, who is an unknown mix. The third dog, a Jack Russell named Little Jack, died last year after the rescue from an unrelated incident.
“I bring them hunting with me and they hop in my truck whenever I go anywhere. Those dogs are just really special to me.”
Storch’s dogs might not be here today if it wasn’t for the efforts of Dr. Jo Ann Daniels of Pasco County Veterinary Care on SR 54 in Lutz.
It’s been Daniels’ mission for the past year and a half to raise enough money to buy oxygen masks for animals and donate them to fire departments across the county. Besides funding the masks, she also teaches first responders how to use the oxygen masks properly.
Battalion Chief Brian Rieder of Station 37, who was on scene at the Storch fire, applauds Daniels’ work.
“A dog could absolutely be like a family member or child to several people — and that’s what we are here to do: protect lives,” Rieder said. “We appreciate what Dr. Daniels is trying to accomplish; those masks will make our jobs easier.”
So far, Daniels has responded to a couple of house fires and motor vehicle accidents, and she said the masks are needed at every fire station.
“The specialized oxygen masks are crucial because if you look at a dog’s head versus a human’s head, you’ll notice they aren’t the same shape, and human oxygen masks don’t fit on a dog’s face,” she said. “Also, depending on the breed, the oxygen flow needs to be adjusted to fit their needs.”
The set of three different sized masks will help any breed from Boston terriers to German shepherds. Even cats, ferrets, hamsters and virtually any domesticated animal can use the masks as well.
“It’s rewarding to help animals in distress. I’m a vet, and that’s what we do, but I want the community to get involved too. Right now it’s just my staff and I working on this project, and we really need support,” Daniels said.
She hopes her project will expand, and she’s in the process of making an oxygen mask training DVD so she can distribute them to all the fire departments. Daniels’ goal is to buy 30 more sets of masks, which cost about $100 for a set of three. Currently there are 18 sets in Pasco County.
“We all love animals, and I hope that sponsorships will start coming in once the community realizes the need for these masks,” she said. “I’m willing to volunteer all my time and put in all my effort, but we still need outside help in order to achieve this goal.”
How to help
To learn more about the oxygen masks and how you can help, visit www.centralpascovetcare.com or call (813) 926-1126.
