A wave of support is sweeping through Long Island following a catastrophic fire at a cat sanctuary on Monday that claimed the lives of over 100 cats and the sanctuary’s owner, Chris Arsenault.
On Wednesday afternoon, volunteers continued the heroic efforts started by Arsenault, working tirelessly to rescue the injured and displaced cats. Animal rescue teams were seen rescuing injured cats from the sanctuary’s charred remains.
Frankie Floridia from Strong Island Animal Rescue expressed his gratitude: “It’s an absolute great feeling to be able to save these injured animals and get them the help that they need.”
Around 200 cats had been left behind at the Happy Cat Sanctuary in Medford after the fire destroyed the sanctuary. Lisa Jaeger of Jaeger’s Run Animal Rescue shared the gravity of the situation: “They’re scared and they’re injured, and these are the ones we’re pulling out today.”
The deadly fire, which occurred on Monday, engulfed the sanctuary and resulted in the tragic loss of over 100 cats and the sanctuary’s owner, 65-year-old Chris Arsenault. Neighbors reported that Arsenault repeatedly ran back into the burning building in an attempt to save the cats.
Floridia paid tribute to Arsenault’s legacy, saying, “I know that Chris would’ve wanted that, and these animals deserve to be saved and we’re here to do so.”
In addition to the rescue efforts, the cats are being treated by veterinarians, including those from the Paws of War organization, which is providing free services. Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, reflected on Arsenault’s passion for animal rescue, stating, “I knew Chris well. He died doing what he loved… rescuing animals. The very least we can do is continue his legacy and make sure every single one of these cats gets the proper care they need.”
One of the cats rescued from outside was examined in a mobile vet clinic set up on-site, with noticeable signs of smoke inhalation and burns on her ears and paws. “That’s very typical of what we’ve been seeing,” said a veterinarian from Paws of War. “Almost everything that came through here yesterday had burnt paw prints.”
The most seriously injured cats have been taken to various veterinarians across Long Island for treatment, much of it provided free of charge. Dr. Jason Michael Heller, a local veterinarian, explained that they are working to restore the cats’ health so they can eventually be adopted.
“We’re going to ask for our colleagues in the area to take a few cats and help them recover enough to eat and be adopted,” Dr. Heller said.
A small memorial has been set up at the site of the sanctuary, surrounded by cat food. Dr. Heller is also reaching out to about 80 veterinarians and veterinary technicians from the Long Island Veterinarian Medical Association to offer free help to heal the injured cats.
The community’s efforts to save and care for these animals continue to grow as they work together to heal the wounds left by this heartbreaking tragedy.
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