Because wildfires are spreading quickly across Southern California, hundreds of animals, from pets to large farm animals, have had to leave their homes with their families. Animal rescue groups, humane societies, and emergency shelters have all stepped forward to help with the mounting crisis by taking in animals that need a place to stay, medical care, and a safe place to heal. A lot of individuals are moving out of their homes right now, which is why these things are happening. A lot of people can’t be with their dogs or take care of them.
Pasadena Humane is one of the most well-known groups, and they have already taken in more than 400 animals. They don’t just take in cats and dogs; they also help with harder and stranger instances, like the pony they saved. A lot of these creatures were scared, thirsty, and injured when they got here. People who had been burned, breathed in smoke, or were too hot had to get to the hospital right away. Even though they don’t have a lot of space or resources, veterinary teams are working around the clock to take care of each case.
People used to think of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center as a place to train and keep horses. But now it’s a safe location for huge animals to live. There are presently between 200 and 300 horses at the property. They moved a lot of them rapidly and under a lot of stress. A lot of animals have been wounded by the accident, including a pig that weighs 200 pounds. Getting food and shelter for so many big animals in such a short amount of time has been hard. A lot of people have gone to the center to help feed, clean, and check on the animals’ health.
Ducky the parrot is another well-known story about a rescue. He lost his family when they were leaving. He is safe right now because animal responders acted immediately. There are a number of stories like Ducky’s in this case. In the thick of all the pandemonium, saving each animal is a small win.
Many people with pets are now staying in emergency evacuation centers. They have to leave their pets behind or put them in shelters for a short time while they look for a new place to live or wait to find out what will happen to their homes. These times have been hard on both the dogs and their owners. Animal rescue groups work hard to help animals, find them homes, and get them back to their owners.
People have been quite helpful. People in the area have given things like food, boxes, blankets, and first aid kits. But now a lot of groups are asking for money instead because they don’t have enough room or it’s too hard to do. Money donations help pay for things like prescriptions, vet care, staff overtime, and temporary boarding facilities that are filling up quickly.
Things aren’t always horrible, but they’re not always good either. People who work for humane organizations and those who volunteer have seen pets and their owners get back together in ways that made them feel good after they thought the worst had happened. One of these reunions made volunteers cry when a dog that had been salvaged from a fire zone and treated for smoke exposure was reunited with its owner after being apart for almost a week. These touching scenes show how close people and their dogs are and how important the work of rescue groups is.
Ana Bustilloz from spcaLA, one of the first groups to help, said that these reunions changed people’s lives in a big way. She stated, “It’s a good sign that families are coming back together.” A lot of people felt this way during the crisis.
As the fires burn on and evacuation orders change, rescue groups are on high alert and ready for additional animals to come in. Their job gets harder every day because they don’t have adequate resources. But they never stop trying to aid creatures that can’t help themselves. During one of the area’s hardest periods, humane groups in Southern California are helping people by giving them shelter, care, comfort, and hope via community support, volunteerism, and kindness.
