In the wake of the apocalyptic fires, a veterinarian emerged as a beacon of hope for displaced animals.
It’s an understatement to say that the destruction caused by the Palisades Fire was extensive. Beyond the structures that turned into ashes, there were victims who faced difficulties in evacuating and got separated from their loyal companions. It’s not uncommon to see abandoned pets during hurried evacuations, but a veterinarian in Los Angeles showed us that if there’s a will (and true compassion), there’s a way.
In a monumental effort to save animals displaced by wildfires, Dr. Annie Harvilicz, a veterinarian in Los Angeles, saved a total of 41 pets, including dogs, cats, and one rabbit. Pet owners who couldn’t take their pets to temporary shelters asked help from the golden-hearted veterinarian. Dr. Harvilicz then opened her home for some of the animals, others were brought to her vacant pet hospital in Marina Del Rey.
In a Facebook post, Dr. Harvilicz shared that she’ll be happy to house animals that needed to be evacuated, adding that her old hospital could be a temporary shelter. Her efforts to rescue animals started when her brother called her amid an evacuation, asking help regarding the housing of his pets. Dr. Harvilicz realized that many others were in the same situation, and this prompted her to extend help to the community.
Rescuing Small and Large Animals
Despite having no sleep and eyes hurting from the smoke of fires, Dr. Harvilicz coordinated rescue efforts through her non-profit, the Animal Wellness Foundation. Among the animals rescued are a Pit Bull named Daisy, a cat named Pumpkin, and a rabbit named Oreo. However, according to Dr. Harvilicz, taking in larger animals was a challenge and it shows a critical gap in rescue efforts.
Dr. Harvilicz shared that there was one woman who needed help in evacuating nine donkeys but she didn’t have trailers. Later on, they had to make the difficult decision of releasing them. But the good news is, based on a recent updated from the vet, those donkeys have been found and are doing well. Situations like this highlight that wildfires are particularly devastating for larger animals. Meanwhile, those pets who were rescued first now have are loving temporary home; Dr. Harvilicz even brought in additional volunteers to handle the influx of animals.
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Asking Help from the Veterinary Community
Despite the difficulties faced when rescuing animas—big or small—Dr. Harvilicz still urged pet owners to bring their furry friends with them when evacuating. Others would decide to leave them behind because some accommodations would not allow pets inside. This is the time when pet owners should reach out for help.
Dr. Harvilicz reminds everyone to contact a vet, even if the extra care or service seems unaffordable. She emphasized that there are vets like her who are willing to lend a hand, out of love and compassion for animals. Also on Facebook, Dr. Harvilicz urged everyone to never leave their pets behind amid a crisis like the Los Angeles wildfire. It’s possible that when pet owners leave them, they won’t be able to go back and retrieve these animals. Dr. Harvilicz put it well when she said, “When everything seems lost, your family and your community will be there for you.”
In the Facebook post liked and shared by hundreds of people, the veterinarian also emphasized that many hotels and rentals are now becoming pet-friendly.
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From The Club
Dr. Harvilicz is such an amazing human being. It’s heartwarming to see someone like her care so much for pets displaced by the fires. It’s possible that animal shelters are now spread thin, so having Dr. Harvilicz and the rest of the vet community help animals is a blessing. And I totally agree with what she said, take your pets with you when you evacuate. You will find a place to stay, as angels like Dr. Harvilicz do exist.