Pictured (front row, left to right): Colleen Whelan, EMT, Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps; Uno, a Jack Russell mix; Tom Devaney, President, Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps; Dr. Ray Polley, Co-Owner, Best In Show Pet Resort/Garden City Veterinary Health Care In giving a helping hand to save the lives of pets, Dr. Ray Polley and CJ Bocklet, Co-Owners of Best in Show Pet Resort/Garden City Veterinary Care, yesterday presented members of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Garden City Fire Department pet oxygen masks for their emergency vehicles.

The Garden City Fire Department was given one set of pet oxygen masks for its emergency vehicle, while the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps received two sets of pet oxygen masks - one for each vehicle. Emergency personnel will be able to use these oxygen masks on house pets during a fire, as they bring the pets to safety.

"We always make sure that, in a house fire, people are rescued, but sometimes we forget about our pets," Dr. Polley said. "Our pets hold a special place in our hearts and, if we were to lose a pet in a house fire, it would be as emotionally devastating as if we lost a loved one."

Those in attendance learned from Dr. Polley how to administer oxygen on the pet. For the demonstration, Dr. Polley placed the mask on Uno, a Jack Russell terrier mix. President Thomas Devaney and Lieutenant Alexander Palasek of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and Chief James Meehan from the Garden City Fire Department will be on hand to accept Dr. Polley's generous gift.