Glen Cove EMS had guests at its station on Friday, Aug. 24, including a couple of canines. Mayor Ralph V. Suozzi welcomed the pups, as well as Dr. Mara DiGrazia, DVM and Nancy Buckler of H.E.L.P Animals, Inc. Representatives of Glen Cove EMS and Explorer Post 1072 (the next generation of volunteers) and Ruth DiChiara and Ellie D'Amico, co-founders of the Glen Cove Animal Lovers League, were all part of the welcome wagon.

They were gathered to applaud the work of Dr. DiGrazia, who, in conjunction with H.E.L.P Animals, Inc., was in the city to donate sets of animal oxygen masks to the Glen Cove EMS. The event was part of H.E.L.P. (Health, Educate, Love, Protect) Animals' nationwide Rescue and Resuscitative Initiative, a program formed to offer, free of charge, SurgiVet Animal Oxygen Recovery Mask Sets to all fire and rescue, EMS, service dogs and wildlife rehabilitators. Dr. DiGrazia said she read about the program in a veterinary journal and subsequently raised $2,800 from friends, family and patients of the New Hyde Park Animal Hospital to purchase 47 mask sets, which she is offering to all Nassau County volunteer units. The doctor said she contacted more than 40 local municipalities and Glen Cove was one of 21 that responded immediately and gratefully.

H.E.L.P.Animals has called Dr.DiGrazia a veterinarian who "knows the importance of having the proper emergency equipment on hand" and she is obviously also a woman who knows the importance of keeping pets safe in case of emergency.

The masks have an entirely unique design, so as not to be confused with a mask for a human. The three different sizes cover just about any size and species of pet, from a reptile, mouse or baby gerbil to the largest pooch. They are sturdy and reusable, and as such, very economical, said Ms. Buckler, who gave a nod to Shein Pharmaceutical for its valuable support of H.E.L.P. Animals.

Once the compliments were shared and questions answered, it was time for a demonstration of the animal oxygen mask.

Smokey and Pokey, pets of EMS volunteers Heidi and Tom Ustler were the models. Smokey was a bit reticent and declined the photo op, choosing instead to stand under Pokey's long legs for most of the event. Pokey, however, was ready for her close-up. Disengaging herself from Smokey, she lay down patiently while Tom and Heidi equipped her with a SurgiVet mask and was quite content to stay as photographers snapped pictures, all the while having her belly rubbed by Tom. "She'll do just about anything for a belly rub," Tom laughed. Pokey was calm and she seemed comfortable with the mask, even when Tom stopped rubbing. She was also happy with the accolades (that's Dogspeak for pets) she received when the gig was done.

Ms. Buckler suggested that anyone wishing to help H.E.L.P. visit the organization's website at www.HelpAnimalsInc.org or email HelpAnimalsInc@Yahoo.com.

Donations can be made with the stipulation that the money be earmarked for the donor's hometown.