A large wildfire that is still burning throughout California has harmed hundreds of locals, both people and animals. An unexpected survivor, however, has arisen as a symbol of hope in a region where it has been so difficult to find it amidst such tragedy.
Firefighters battling the Valley Fire north of San Francisco this week made an unexpected finding. They discovered a black cat that had somehow managed to live on his own through the quickly spreading fire there, in one of the worst-hit locations. He was taken urgently to Lakeport’s Wasson Memorial Veterinary Clinic.
The firefighter who discovered him “brought him in,” a clinic employee told The Dodo.
He has suffered burns, primarily around his face, but all his hair has been singed.”
Veterinarians quickly set about treating the cat for his painful injuries, inserting a feeding tube to nourish him and applying burn cream to his face and body.
Amazingly, despite everything he’s gone through, the cat is reportedly making a full recovery, both physically and mentally, owing to the commitment of the medical professionals who wouldn’t give up on him.
“He is doing well. He purrs and smiles when touched. He appears to be a really kind cat, “the employee stated. “Every animal that comes in is given a sincere effort to be saved by the vets. They are the people you have ever met with the largest hearts. Any animal that enters our facility is given the greatest possible opportunity. I’m not surprised that they are doing everything they can to save this kitty.”
The clinic is optimistic that the cat’s owner will recognize him and come to claim him, but whoever that may be is far from alone in having lost a pet. Since the Valley Fire began on Saturday, scorching 70,000acres as of Wednesday, countless animals have been injured or displaced – though like this cat, they aren’t necessarily without care. His is a story of hope.
Volunteers have so far rescued hundreds of animals from the disaster area and are working to find more so each can be reunited with their owners. These Facebook pages have been set up to assist in their efforts: PET Lost and Found for Lake County Fires and Lake County Lost or Found Pets.
