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By now, you are likely well aware of the massive wildfire ignited in California last year; the Camp Fire. Although the fire blazed out of control and was only contained after 17 days, the effects of the destruction will be felt for lifetimes.

Photo: @SFSPCA

Families lost everything. Material possessions were the least of their heartbreak as 86 humans lost their lives, 3 are still missing and an unknown number of animals were killed. Fleeing with only moments to spare, beloved family pets were sadly no where to be found.

According to Wikipedia, the inferno itself now holds numerous records in the world of horror and loss.

It was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history to date.
It is also the deadliest wildfire in the United States since the Cloquet fire in 1918.
The Camp Fire is now the sixth-deadliest U.S. wildfire overall.
In a staggering calculation, it was the world’s costliest natural disaster in 2018.
Total damage was $16.5 billion; one-quarter of the damage, $4 billion, was not insured.
It covered an area of 153,336 acres, and destroyed 18,804 structures, with most of the damage occurring within the first four hours.
Photo: @SFSPCA

Within the loss, heartbreak and hopelessness, there have been miracles though.

These are the stories that keep hope alive in a time when it’s needed the most. Our wish is that these “happy tails” bring a smile to your face, inspire you to help those in need and/or renew your hope of seeing loved ones again.

At the San Francisco SPCA (SFSPCA), droves of injured animals were taken in from the Butte county shelters overrun with needy souls. Many had not been identified, were stray/feral or their owners were unable to take them after losing their homes. Volunteers at the SFSPCA made it their mission to help heal the damage; physical and mental the animals experienced.

They remained at the shelter over the holidays to care for the injured. They volunteered to visit the scared furbabies, displaced and in a strange environment. Snuggles were handed out freely, gentle kisses were given on quivering foreheads and soothing words were whispered in fluffy ears.

Photo: @SFSPCA

As the weeks and months tick by, heartwarming reunions are STILL taking place for the estimated 10,000 animals missing!

These are just a few feline tales from the San Francisco SPCA that will warm your heart.

November 28th, 2018 – Annie

“This young man, who lost almost everything in the Camp Fire, was overjoyed to be reunited with his missing kitty, Annie.

Photo: @SFSPCA

Annie spent several weeks recovering in our veterinary hospital from burned paws and other fire-related injuries. Annie is now well on the road to recovery and back in Brent’s arms. “

Photo: @SFSPCA

December 6th, 2018 – Presilli Blu

“Presilli Blu, one of our #CampFire cats, is back with her family!

Photo: @SFSPCA

Two of our volunteers drove Presilli Blu all the way to Redding to be reunited with Melody and her daughter. These ladies clearly adore Presilli Blu, who was lost during the wildfires, and were overjoyed to see their beloved cat again.❤️”

Photo: @SFSPCA

December 17th, 2018 – Kitten Boo

“Kitten Boo came to us after the #CampFire with badly burned paws and singed ears. Over the weekend, we finally found her family! Alexis drove round-trip from Chico to fetch her girl. Kitten Boo gave sweet little mews when she saw Alexis, and was soon purring away. We went through a lot of Kleenex, and Alexis got to meet some of Kitten Boo’s biggest fans and caregivers.

Photo: @SFSPCA

She thanked the SF SPCA for saving her cat’s life. Alexis lost her family’s home in the fire, but she now has a place to stay and Kitten Boo back by her side “

December 20th, 2018 – Walker

“Walker, one of our #CampFire cats, is back with his family!

Photo: @SFSPCA

They drove hundreds of miles to get him – this cat is clearly very loved. The family lost several of their animals in the deadly blaze. In the midst of their losses, they gave a generous donation to help other Camp Fire animals who still need medical care and haven’t yet found their owners. Walker is a lucky boy to be part of this amazing family. “

Photo: @SFSPCA

December 22nd, 2018 – Olive

“Olive, one of the #CampFire cats who’s now in a foster home, got a visit from her momma Ashton!

Olive practically threw herself into Ashton’s arms, purring up a storm and finally snuggling happily into Ashton’s lap. Ashton drove all the way from LA to visit Olive, who she adopted nearly a decade ago when Olive was just a baby. When Ashton went away to college Olive stayed behind with Ashton’s parents, whose home was ravaged by the wildfires. The repairs will take time, and Olive’s awesome foster parent says Olive has a safe haven as long as needed.

Photo: @SFSPCA

Ashton told us that when you lose everything, you realize what matters most — your loved ones. She said it’s a time when you need your pet more than ever, and she’s beyond grateful for the peace of mind our Foster Program has given her family.❤️”

Photo: @SFSPCA