With a little help from a dog biscuit: Hunter (center) models one in a set of three pet oxygen masks donated to the Chesterton Fire Department on Wednesday by CFD Volunteer Chris Neale (right). Neale, an assignment editor for WGN News in Chicago, got the idea after researching a story on the use of such masks, which have become increasingly popular pieces of equipment in departments across the country. The set includes two canine masks and one feline, simply smaller versions of the human oxygen masks used to resuscitate the victims of smoke inhalation. Hunter’s owner, CFD Volunteer Dale Reisetter (left), has nothing but good things to say about his companion. “He has exceptional manners and is highly intelligent,” Reisetter noted. Hunter’s parents were search-and-rescue dogs for a Tennessee department.

(Tribune photo by Kevin Nevers)

Posted 7/14/2005