Within the wake of the devastating Palisades Fireplace, a golden-hearted veterinarian in Los Angeles has gone above and past to rescue and look after animals displaced by the catastrophe. Dr. Annie Harvilicz, 47, has opened her house and a vacant pet hospital to deal with over 40 animals, together with canines, cats, and even a rabbit named Oreo. Many pet homeowners, unable to convey their animals to short-term lodging, have turned to Harvilicz for assist.
Harvilicz, who operates two animal hospitals within the Los Angeles space, started taking in pets on the Animal Wellness Heart in Marina del Rey shortly after the hearth erupted. She has additionally introduced 4 of the animals into her own residence close to Los Angeles Worldwide Airport. The fireplace, fueled by robust Santa Ana winds, has prompted widespread evacuations, with ash blanketing the sky in an apocalyptic haze. Regardless of the smoke and lack of sleep, Harvilicz stays dedicated to her mission.
“I haven’t slept in any respect, and my eyes are hurting from the smoke,” she admitted in an interview. “However I do it as a result of I really like animals and need to care for them.” Among the many pets she has taken in are a cat named Pumpkin and a Pit Bull named Daisy. Nonetheless, rescuing bigger animals has confirmed more difficult.
“One lady wanted assist together with her 9 donkeys however didn’t have trailers,” Harvilicz shared. “They needed to launch them, they usually probably didn’t make it.” She lamented that the fires have been significantly devastating for big animals, highlighting a important hole in rescue efforts.
Harvilicz’s efforts started after her brother referred to as her on Tuesday morning, asking for assist housing his pets whereas he evacuated. Recognizing that many others can be in the identical scenario, she shortly prolonged her provide to the broader group. By her non-profit, the Animal Wellness Basis, Harvilicz has coordinated rescue efforts and introduced in further volunteers to look after the inflow of animals.
Lots of the pet homeowners fleeing the fires have a number of animals and face challenges discovering lodging that permit them. Harvilicz has emphasised the significance of reaching out for assist. “When you have a pet that wants assist, please attain out to a vet even in case you suppose you possibly can’t afford care,” she stated. “There are vets like myself who’re prepared to assist.”
She Might Barely Stroll or Breathe When Rescuers Discovered Her
Dr. Harvilicz additionally posted a plea to her Fb web page, urging folks to take their pets with them when they’re evacuated. She insists that residents will likely be unable to return to retrieve their animals and that they have to act now! She is claiming extra accommodations and leases will accommodate pets.
This glorious veterinarian’s tireless work amid the chaos has not solely saved dozens of animals however has additionally supplied hope and luxury to their homeowners in a time of immense uncertainty. We thanks, Dr. Harvilicz. Heroes such as you want all of the reward on the earth!
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