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"Ever since November of 2018, life has just not been normal in Chico."
These words echo life in the wake of California's deadliest recorded wildfire, the Camp Fire. Emily Fink, of VCA Northern California, recalls with deep sadness: "It is devastating; it shifts your whole perspective when you go through something like that." For over 17 days, fires raged across Butte County, leveling homes and leaving the community in peril. In the aftermath, over 90% of Paradise's residents found themselves homeless and displaced, while the death toll and mass devastation added even further heartbreak.
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Emily is just one of an incredible network of professionals and volunteers from across California that, in the face of great peril, forged together to rescue and provide relief to animals and pet owners in crisis. The VCA team estimates that between 40-60 burned animals were seen every single day for a stretch of weeks. Emily recalls: "We had staff members that were evacuated and lost their homes... a lot of them stayed and helped. So many people donated time and resources. It was an incredible effort, but a heartbreaking one." Thanks to the tireless efforts and dedication of those involved, over 500 animals received treatment.
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One of the brave pets we are proud to have supported in his recovery from the fire is a sweet Husky named Max. Emily recalls: "When he came in, Max did not look like a Husky. He had burns all over his body, even his eyelids. It was painful. We were able to get him tilapia bandage treatments and his fur has now regrown. He is doing great thanks to the funds. Dandy, an 8-year-old Golden Retriever, is another pet we had the privilege of helping through our veterinary grant-in-aid contributions. Dandy was found with first- and second-degree burns on her paws and abdomen, and had smoke inhalation injuries. She was treated with oxygen and tilapia skin bandages (properly used, tilapia skin can transfer collagen, an important protein that can reduce pain and promote healing) and thankfully made a full recovery.
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None of our contributions made by SFAfA would have been possible without the help and generosity of our incredible circle of community partners and donors. We want to send a huge thanks to the Ingrid Tauber Fund for Animals for its tremendous support in building our fire relief fund. Thank you also to our fantastic donor base; every dollar you shared helped make the difference for pets impacted by this crisis. Last, but certainly not least, we send massive respect to VCA of Northern California, VCA Oak Valley Veterinary, North American Valley Disaster Group, Dr. Jamie Peyton of UC Davis, and the countless other fire/relief workers and volunteers who rose up to help Butte County.
Wildfires are a tragic reality for California today, and sadly a crisis we all need to be prepared for in the fall fire season. If you would like to support in building funding for communities at risk for future fires, please consider making a charitable contribution for any amount. Every dollar counts toward our mission to keep companion animals healthy, and with the families that love them!
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Did you make it to Barks and Brews?
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Thank you to everyone that joined us at Harmonic Brewing on August 31 for a fantastic event. Special thanks to event sponsors Pet Camp, The Animal Connection, Spotted Humphrey and, of course, our friends at Family Dog Rescue!
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- We helped 84 pets in our grant year 2019 - pets that might otherwise have been euthanized or left untreated due to their guardian's ability to afford necessary veterinary care.
- In 2019, SFAfA awarded almost $95,000 in grants and vets donated $90,000 in services for a combined total of $185,000 donated through our program!
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No matter what the amount, your tax-deductible gift will make a difference. Does your employer have a matching contribution program? Consider including Community Initiatives / SFAfA in that program. Your dollar could go even further! To donate, visit sfafa.org or send a check payable to Community Initiatives/SFAfA, 1000 Broadway, Suite 480, Oakland, CA 94607. Donations made to Community Initiatives on behalf of SFAfA are tax-deductible.
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