February is Heart Month. What better way to celebrate than to take a potentially lifesaving class for your dog’s heart! If you are a pet owner, pet walker, pet sitter, pet groomer, doggie daycare employee, animal shelter employee/volunteer, ACO, FF/EMT, Police Officer, DART member, or just want to be prepared in case of a pet emergency, this course is for YOU!
On Sunday, February 16, 2020, a class on Cat and Dog First Aid and CPR will be offered by Bobby Silcott of the Maine POM Project. Silcott is a retired EMT/firefighter, animal control officer, and facilities director for the Animal Refuge League; he teaches this course as a volunteer, with proceeds from this class to benefit the Pet Oxygen Mask (POM) Project.
Since May of 2009, Bobby Silcott has been on a mission to help equip local fire/rescue organizations statewide, with Pet Oxygen Masks (POM) designed for most companion animals. To do this Bobby received the necessary education to qualify him to teach Cat and Dog First Aid/CPR, as well as, American Heart Association Heartsaver/BLS First Aid/CPR/AED courses. Bobby volunteers his time, so the proceeds from these classes have gone toward the purchase of these much needed masks. A set of Pet Oxygen Masks costs $80 including shipping and handling. A set includes a small, medium and large mask. As of January 7, 2020, the Maine POM Project has donated 560 sets of Pet Oxygen Masks to fire and rescue squads to save lives!
The Cat and Dog First Aid and CPR Course will include the following topics: understanding basic pet owner responsibilities, administering medicine, managing breathing and cardiac emergencies, managing urgent care situations, treating wounds, electrical shock, preparing for disasters, and caring for eye, foot, and ear injuries.
The class will be offered this Sunday, February 16, 2020, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Cumberland Town Hall (290 Tuttle Road, Cumberland Center, ME). The cost of the class is $80 and includes tuition, book, and Lifetime Certificate. Pre-registration is required so that there are enough materials for each student. Please bring a lunch for the short recess. No pets allowed.
To learn more about the Maine POM project, how your organization can host a class, or to donate, please visit MainePOMProject.org. For updates on additional Cat and Dog First Aid and CPR Courses and the wonderful work being done by the Maine POM Project, please follow them on Facebook.
