In North America at least, stories from the California fires are dominating news feed. With dozens of human fatalities and many more missing and unaccounted for, thousands of homes and other buildings burned and over 200,000 acres destroyed, there are fears that more will be lost as more fires are cropping up. Horse owners and other animal lovers have been scrambling to move their animals out of harm’s way. But out of the devastation heroes and stories of bravery and ingenuity are arising.
Mule in a Pool
One of the most remarkable stories is about a mule found hiding in a pool. Whether the mule ended up in the small pool by accident or its own ingenuity, we will never know. The mule was found tangled in a pool cover, which kept it immersed without drowning. When it was found by a group of people checking on the fate of their homes, the mule was shivering violently and was said to look ‘defeated’. Rescuers unhooked the pool cover, pulled the mule into shallow water and it was able to scramble up the steps. The mule was later removed from the area and taken to safety. Many versions of this story say this was a horse. The homes and lands around the area where the mule hid in the pool has been totally razed, with no buildings or vegetation left standing after fire swept through.
Horse Owners Pitching In
Horse owners without resources or time were forced to leave horses in the paths of the blazes. But thankfully, many were saved due to the bravery of people willing to go back into the danger zone and bringing out as many animals as possible. Convoys of trailers have been organized and not only horses have been saved. Those planning to save horses find they’ve returned with trucks and trailers carrying other pets and livestock. Working with officials, one group of rescuers despaired after receiving several hundred calls to rescue horses and other animals. Many of the horses found and rescued are suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
Other’s without trailers have been riding their horses out as people on foot raced out of the path of the flames. One woman who returned to pick up two horses who were left behind on her ranch ended up bringing back up other animals as well.
Donations to Rescue Organizations
Of course the Humane Society has had a hand in the rescue of many animals in California. The efforts were noticed by celebrity Sandra Bullock and her family, who donated $100,000 to help rescue and care for animals rescued from the fires. In fact, response to the fire prompted the Humane Society of Ventura to post on their Facebook page that at this time, supplies of feed and other supplies were plentiful. But the one thing they are short of is volunteers. As the HSVC faces keeping many of the animals long-term, monetary contributions are welcome.
If you wish to donate to help horse and other animal owners The New York Times lists Caring Choices and Huff Post lists the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation as reputable agencies collecting funds to help animals affected by the fires.
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