A touching reunion after wildfire heartbreak

By Laurel Meleski, RedRover Program Coordinator II & Facilities Manager

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had multiple opportunities to offer hands-on assistance for animals impacted by the devastating wildfires in Northern California. In addition to deploying to Butte County, where RedRover staff cared for 130 animals displaced by the fires, I also worked with the vet staff at Haven Humane, who are caring for animals injured in the Slater and Zogg Fires. There, I helped clean wounds and change bandages for cats who suffered burn injuries. And I had the opportunity to witness a touching reunion between a family and their beloved feline.

Pets who are still looking for their people are listed on Haven Humane’s Facebook page, and one family saw an orange and white face they thought they recognized. When they set eyes on him, they knew immediately he was their “Fat One”! They were so happy to find him, and Fat One perked up when he saw them as well. He started talking and head-butting and asking for love – it was one of the sweetest things I’ve ever had the privilege to see! This family lost so much in the fires, it’s hard for me to comprehend, but seeing their joy at finding their furry family member was a testament to human resilience and the unconditional love we share with our pets. 

You can help bring more animals from crisis to care – and keep families together during natural disasters – by donating to our Emergency Response Fund: RedRover.org/donateresponders.