A surge of heavy rain this week is expected to finally fully quench the deadliest fire in the California's history. According to CNN, the Camp Fire has killed at least 79 people. More than 17,000 structures, most of which were residential buildings, have been destroyed, and almost 700 people are still reported missing.
But humans are not the only ones to have suffered in this devastating event. Thousands of animals have been transferred to emergency veterinary hospitals, many of them injured with severe burns. The ones that survived are being taken to clinics and shelters, which are bursting at the seams.
"We've run out of space," Daniel Gebhart, the co-medical director at VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center, told The Washington Post.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by VCA Valley Oak Vet Center (@vcavalleyoak) on
People desperately looking for their pets have been taking to social media in an effort to find them, refusing to give up hope until they are absolutely certain that they didn't make it.
Still no luck with #Splinter. Not giving up hope till someone gives me some hard evidence that hes gone. Here is another picture i have #CampFireJamesWoods #CampFire
— James Rodriguez (@drikpic) November 13, 2018
Clinics are also posting photos of lost pets on social media, and several Facebook groups have popped up trying to locate lost pets or reunite those have been found with their owners.
While it's no easy task, many of these stories have happy endings. When the fire hit her home, Baylee Danz couldn't find her cats, Coco and Pebbles, before they had to evacuate. She posted photos of both of them on her personal Facebook page, and soon she was flooded with responses from strangers trying to help her find them. That alone was comforting.
"One thing I've noticed in this tragedy is the kindness of others, even strangers," Danz said. "People I didn't even know would comment on my posts. I had this whole invisible team looking for my cats."
Last week, someone identified Coco in the photos of lost pets on the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and now the two have been reunited. Her paws were burned, but, according to Danz, she's still "eating and loves to be petted."
Many people are sharing similar stories on Twitter, like that of Casper, who survived 11 days on his own and was there to welcome his human when he got home, as dogs do.
Hermione the Cat was also reunited with her family, and one of her little humans hand-wrote a thank you letter to the VCA Valley Oak Center for helping to make it happen.
"You rescued my cat Hermione from Neal Rd," Guenivere wrote. "You also rescued all the pets from the camp fire that were left behind. We are so grateful! We were evacuated from the carr [sic] fire and she got away…We thought for sure she was gone, but you proved us wrong. Thank you so much for saving so many pets, including mine."
This little buddy has made his way back as well.
REUNITED! Owners Have been found! So happy… this was one of the first pictures I saw. #Campfire #Reunited #CampfirePets #HappyDance
— California Wildfire Pets (@CAFirePets) November 18, 2018
So has Snowflake, who managed to get through the fire unscathed in spite of the fact that the home was burned down.
On Thursday, Facebook user Laci Ping posted a video in which she cried after reuniting with her cat, Mayson.
Samson was very happy to be reunited with his owner after his instincts helped him avoid a path that included downed power lines while fleeing the flames. It's not the first or last time that a dog has rescued his human.
While photos are obviously extremely useful in times like these, experts are encouraging anyone looking for their lost pet to check all of the shelters in person, as the animals could be difficult to recognize via image alone.
Please look carefully at all of the Found Pet pictures we are posting. Don't overlook a picture with singed hair or dirty coat. Just look at Bernie! Rescued by The San Francisco SPCA. @sfspca #Campfirepets
— California Wildfire Pets (@CAFirePets) November 19, 2018
And if you haven't already, it's always a good idea to microchip your pet, as it makes it much easier to reunite them when disaster strikes.
If you're still looking for your furry best friend, don't give up hope, as many rescued animals are still unclaimed. With dogs in particular, experts advise returning to where the house was and leaving something that smells like you so they can follow your scent.
#DogTips #CampfirePets Dogs will return to the place the house was. Owners should not go looking in the neighborhood, they will spread scent & confuse the dog. Go only to where your house was & leave dirty laundry (pillow cases are good or old tshirts)
— California Wildfire Pets (@CAFirePets) November 20, 2018
And if you'd like to help, there are several organizations you can donate to.
#FoundDog #CAFirePets #CampfirePets Male #BlackDog white chest with 2 colors of eyes Should be easy to reunite with those eyes.
CA21a-337
Current Location: Chico Airport OP: Pls rt— California Wildfire Pets (@CAFirePets) November 19, 2018
While the upcoming rain in California is expected to curb concerns over further fires this winter, they may bring on flash flooding and mudslides, so check this guide on how to keep your pets safe in the event of flooding. And for more stories about some of the heroes of the Camp Fire, read all about this nurse who drove through flames to help save lives.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to follow us on Instagram!
Diana Bruk Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness.Read moreFiled UnderPetsRead This NextPeople Are Sharing Hilarious Stories of Their "Jerk" Pets
Even when they're the worst, they're still the best. September 27, 201815 Reasons Cats Are Way Better Than Dogs
The great pet debate of "cats vs. dogs" is as old as time. Now's the time to settle it.November 22, 201950 Dogs So Ugly They're Actually Cute
Their imperfections only make them more lovable. February 15, 2019Why Are Cats Obsessed with Catnip?
The feline narcotic induces an all-too-human reaction.October 25, 2018This Is Why Cats Are Terrified of Cucumbers
It's not all that different from your fear of spiders, snakes, or heights. January 23, 202010 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016
