Dog’s Story Of Survival Is ‘Magic’

When Darrell and Alicia Peters’ Land O’ Lakes home burned down last month, they lost two dogs and a cat. But, thanks to lifesaving efforts applied by veterinarian Dr. Jo Ann Daniels, Magic is still in their lives.

The 5-year-old German shepherd was rescued from the house fire and was given immediate medical treatment with an oxygen mask especially designed for use on animals.

Daniels, as it turned out, had already been on a self-proclaimed crusade to get every Pasco County Fire Rescue truck its own set of masks meant for dogs, cats and other common pets.

Daniels, who owns Central Pasco Veterinary Care, was called to the fire by a Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy, she said, and was able to prevent Magic from suffering lasting damage from the smoke he had inhaled. One of the masks previously donated through Daniels' efforts was available on a truck that responded to the fire, she said.

Special masks are needed for pets, Daniels later explained, because “they fit differently.” Pet masks are designed to handle the unique shapes of dogs’ and cats’ faces. A mask meant for human use won't work properly on an animal.

A pet mask kit includes three different sized masks and a tubing that works with a standard oxygen canister. A single kit can be used on dogs and cats of all sizes, and even small creatures such as hamsters, gerbils, birds and more, she said.

When pets are “offered some immediate aid, it increases their chances for survival. It really is the first seconds that count,” Daniels added.

Understanding that Pasco County Fire Rescue wouldn’t have it in its budget to purchase masks for all its first responder trucks and provide training, as well, Daniels had been collecting donations to help out prior to the Peters' January fire. She’s also volunteered her time to make sure first responders are properly trained in using the masks and know how to minimize their chances of getting hurt while treating distraught animals.

“I just feel it’s so important,” she said. “So many pets could be saved.”

When the Peters found out about Daniels’ quest, they stepped in to assist. Still suffering from the loss of Wizard, Magic’s littermate and brother; Ginger, a Yorkshire terrier; and Mr. Gizmo, their Himalayan cat, the Peters said they were so grateful for Daniels’ ability to save Magic they wanted to help other pet owners.

Rather than accept donations personally from family and friends following the fire, they asked for contributions to be made to the oxygen mask cause.

By mid-February, they were able to donate enough to put masks on every truck Daniels hadn’t already covered in her initial drive, said Pasco County Rescue Chief Duncan Hitchcock.

“This lady, she’s a godsend,” said Darrell Peters about Daniels. “My wife and I are animal lovers. She came out there and she saved the life of little Magic.”

Darrell said he and Alicia loved their pets like children. Losing three at once has been hard, he added, but making sure others might not have to go through the same thing has become a point of inspiration.

“Anything we can do, I’m willing to do it,” he said. “Pets are like kids – they can’t take care of themselves.”

Magic and Wizard were always together, Darrell said, and that particular loss has been especially hard to take.

“These two guys they went everywhere with us,” he said. “They rode in the backseat always.”

Darrell admits he wasn’t always so attached to his pets, but “there was something about them. Wizard was brilliant. He was wonderful.”

Hitchcock said the fire rescue team is happy to have Daniels and the Peters’ support.

“We’re firefighters, EMTs and paramedics,” he said. “We’re used to seeing things and events at the worst possible times. We’re also husbands, wives, parents and adults and pet owners. I’ve got two dogs and two cats. It’s very much a part of our life.”

Being able to save an animal goes along with the mission, he added.

“Our mission is to save lives and property,” he said. “The firefighters, we take that seriously - any life we can save.”

Hitchcock said fire rescue’s budget wouldn’t have enabled the purchase of the masks, which cost about $80 to $100 a set. The donation, he said, is very much appreciated as is Daniels' time for the training sessions.

For her part, Daniels said she was overwhelmed with the Peters’ donation.

Her quest to make sure training is provided for first responders and fundraising for replacement sets as they become needed will continue, she said.

More information is available on her website at centralpascovetcare.com.

Editor's note: A photograph of Magic was not available as of publication time.