By Robin Culverwell

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The nonprofit organization that helps pets in an emergency is celebrated its first birthday Wednesday.
Redpaw Founder Jen Leary is a Philadelphia firefighter, a red cross volunteer, and a sucker for a four-footed friend.

She saw a need going unfilled and decided to do something about it

“As far as we can tell – nothing like this exists anywhere in the country – an organization that responds to everyday disasters for pets.”

Leary says the past year has been crazy busy and incredibly rewarding by helping pets when pet owners cannot.
The celebration includes a party and lights atop the PECO building through Thursday night.

Leary says they have a wish list and need volunteers – you can find them at http://www.redpawemergencyreliefteam.org/.