The five-year-old male feline survived Maui’s devastating Lahaina fires in August and lived in his neighborhood, which was considered a fire zone, for about a month before being picked up by Maui Humane Society rescuers.
“Diana had nowhere to take him back to, so she signed him over to Maui Humane Society, providing the path for him to move forward for adoption,” Smith said. “Then, I officially adopted him, giving me the ability to bring him to FieldHaven, where we will find him just the right home with a family who will cherish him as much as his Maui one did.”
Tepatasi cried when the rescuers called her with the news. Then, there was a tearful reunion when her beloved kitty was in her arms at last. Their story is helping heal hearts for so many others who have endured so much anguish after the Lahaina fires.
Heroic rescuers who dedicate their lives to saving “Fire Cats” after wildfires decimated Paradise in California, have traveled to Maui. Their unique skills and experience are helping save the day on the island. “Here is a rare sighting of two different species of cat rescuers together: Shannon Jay and Joy Smith of FieldHaven Feline Center. They landed in Maui this morning and went right to work.”
The Maui Humane Society is caring for more than 20 burned animals that survived the Lahaina wildfire. The animals need constant care, including daily bandage changes, pain medication and antibiotics.
“What is happening here on Maui is unimaginable. I feel so thankful and blessed for the heroes that helped take care of our babies and got them back to us safely. We were off island during this tragedy and we cannot be more grateful for how this community has and continues to step up. Miracles do happen. Don’t lose hope. Lean on each other.”
Fierce winds fuel damaging fires in Lahaina, Upcountry. The Maui Humane Society was also providing support for pets.
