Progressive Animal Wellness recently held a fundraiser and donated seven pet oxygen masks to the West Hartford Fire Department.

Dr. Corey Shagensky of Progressive Animal Wellness (left) presents West Hartford Fire Department Chief Richard Winn (right) with a pet oxygen mask. PAW’s pet portrait event in November raised enough money to purchase seven pet oxygen mask kits for the West Hartford Fire Department. Submitted photo

Submitted by Laura Phillips Ward

Last month, Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) in Avon held a pet portrait event that raised more than $430. The money was used with an additional donation from PAW to purchase seven pet oxygen mask kits for the West Hartford Fire Department.

“Unlike people, who know to exit a burning building, pets instinctively look for a place to hide and are more quickly overcome by smoke and fumes,” said Dr. Corey Shagensky, PAW medical director and West Hartford resident. “Special oxygen masks play a key role in reviving pets rescued from smoky situations. The masks can also be useful when pets are passengers in motor vehicle accidents.”

Photographers Amy Brogna Baione and Robert Schedinger donated their time for the fundraiser. The cost of a sitting was a $15 donation.  In addition to their time, the photographers donated 10 percent of sales from the event to the West Hartford Fire Department.

Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) has been voted Best Veterinarian the past three years by the Hartford Advocate. PAW’s veterinary services include vaccinations, teeth cleanings, digital radiology, in-house laboratory and pharmacy, a HEPA-filtered surgical suite, and electronic medical records. The clinic is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesdays from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (860) 325-2124 or visit www.progressiveanimalwellness.com.