SWAMPSCOTT — The Fire Department has received a financial boost for the care and upkeep of the firehouse dog Ryan, a 2 1/2 year-old Chocolate Lab, courtesy of Kearsarge Lodge #217 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
As Vice Grand of the lodge Cabot Dodge explained it, the lodge is a charitable organization that seeks to assist different groups and institutions to help support various areas of need throughout the community.
“We’re just a group that looks to do good in our community and support our fellow man,” Dodge said.
Fire Chief Graham Archer recalled how the development came to life.
“I was very pleasantly surprised when they asked if there was any particular use of a donation and (said) that the lodge would like to make one,” Archer said. “My first thought was of Ryan.”
Archer explained that typically, support for Ryan is channeled through a donation account the department has, rather than it being funded by the town.
“Other organizations over the years have made donations to buy things for firefighters, and we’ve made use of those,” Archer said. “But, for the last several years, Ryan has been a big part of what we use that funding for, and it’s mainly his vet appointments and food that are the primary costs, along with the occasional squeaky toy, too.”
Dodge noted that “lots of service dogs are funded through donations for things like food and veterinary appointments,” and that in the past, the lodge has donated to police and fire departments in surrounding communities.
He added that the lodge is also looking to keep funding the care and upkeep of Ryan in the future.
