The heartbreaking news of Los Angeles County raging wildfires is devastating. But the events have also shown the people bravely stepping up to help those in need. Resident and real-life hero Rick Miller is one of those selfless individuals. When Miller stumbled across an injured stray dog, he immediately sprang into action to give the pup a fighting chance.
Everything about the fires feels so heavy, so it’s a beautiful thing to see stories like Miller’s, where even one good deed can change the outcome—especially when it saves a dog’s life. Watch his story below.
@cnnCNN captured the moment a man came across an injured stray dog lying in rubble after a wildfire. He was checking in on a friend’s house that burned down in Altadena, California. #CNN #News #wildfires #california
CNN‘s coverage of Miller’s story is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. After checking on a friend’s house in Altadena, California, the scared dog caught Miller’s eye, so he rushed to help.
“It’s about caring for each other,” Miller said through tears. “Everyone needs help.”
Miller’s mission is to “try to help each other out,” and it’s the way the world should be. In times like these, stepping up is more important than ever.
As one person commented, “crying with him,” many of us are, too.
The precious dog was taken to the Pasadena Humane Society and treated for burns and exposure to smoke—something that may not have happened if Miller hadn’t helped. He truly is restoring our faith in humanity.
How to help pets affected by the wildfires
If you feel helpless watching as pets go unaccounted for, are in need of help, or have been separated from their families during the fires, there are some ways you can make a difference.
According to The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control and Los Angeles Animal Services, the most important thing anyone can do to help right now is to foster a pet in need. The shelters are at or over capacity, having taken in hundreds of pets in each shelter.
In LA Animal Services alone, there are more than 1,000 pets brought in due to the fires, which is more than 300 over their usual capacity. Their program, Just One More Dog, saves lives through adoption, fostering, or sheltering a found pet in your home.
Currently, the Pasadena Humane Shelter continues providing medical care to the animals orphaned by the Eaton Fire. They’re giving oxygen, fluids, and treating for smoke inhalation, as well as any additional care for those in serious condition. They’re in dire need of donations to keep the efforts going.
Though events like this can make us feel like there’s nothing we can do, there is. The smallest of acts, be it foster or donation, will literally save lives.
Donate to the Pasadena Humane Shelter if you live out of state, and if you’re in the area, nothing will help more than applying to foster a pet in need.
