Bedford families with pets can breathe a little easier as firefighters here have a new life-saving tool for pets. Canine Company has donated specially-designed oxygen masks to the department for use in rescues involving pets.

Fire inspector Thatcher Plante requested the masks after learning about the company’s Canine Saves initiative to provide the pet rescue masks to first responders in the markets where Canine Company does business.

The donation includes masks come in three sizes that fit many pets – from small mammals like rabbits up through giant-breed dogs. They connect to the standard oxygen tanks rescue teams carry.

"At Canine Company, we provide products and services to help pet parents keep their pets healthy, safe and happy at home," said Renee Coughlin, of Canine Company. "And we are committed to support the communities where we do business in the same with our charitable programs."

The company has donated masks to first responders in more than 40 communities across the northeast so far this year. Fire departments and first aid squads can find more information about how to apply for masks at www.caninecompany.com/topic/charities.

Canine Company provides at-home pet care products and services including the Invisible Fence® brand pet containment systems and Manners obedience training to pet parents across New England, New Jersey and New York.