Bush fire rescuers update

"It's just amazing, just when you being to think that's it, no more  could have survived, out wanders a staffy from the fire zone."  Trish Burke and her team from Pet Haven have been in the fire affected zones since day one. "We are among the few rescuers allowed into the area and we have been here everyday since, even sleeping over to have the
best chance of catching and helping some of the fire affected pets".

Picture: Molly, recovering from burns in the care of Pets Haven

"The resilience of some of these pets is just remarkable 18 days later and we are still finding more pets than we did in the initial aftermath." Slowly, terrified animals are emerging from their hiding places. "We have set so many cat traps, and are now finally finding these pets that were believed to have perished in the inferno." Returning lost pets to owners is renewing hope for everyone.

With the RSPCA manning the vet treatment area for injured animals, Pets Haven have been moving about the area, going door to door, to find out what help people needed.  "Many of the people we spoke to were obviously in shock and being able to help them by providing individual assistance has made a world of difference. Setting cat traps, assisting with pet first aid and even helping to remove the bodies of dead pets," said Trish.

Pets Haven have taken a register of missing pets and this weekend made more than 170 call's to take the details of pets reported.  "Although many dogs have died, we are beginning to find cats with collars emerging from the charred landscape. These cats were part of someone's family and if we can we will reunite them."

Pets Haven are also donating staff to Whittlesea Vet Clinic and other vets in the area to assist with the 24 hour care that is needed for the animals coming into their clinics. Many of the animals will need ongoing care to recover and Pets Haven are offering free long term care and rehabilitation.

"When you have lost everything, the last thing you want to do is to let your animals out of your sight, but when they need care and attention and you are basically homeless, it's a tough situation."  After talking to the owners an additional worry was discovered; Legislation in Victoria has strict time frames an animal can be held at a shelter such as RSPCA or Lost Dogs Home, leaving people in the area are genuinely concerned that they may not get their pet back.  "It's another worry that these people just don't need," Trish explained. 

Reassurance that after their pets are released from the vet clinic Pets Haven will continue to care for them at their shelter or with their dedicated foster carers until the owner is in a situation that their pet can be returned, has eased locals fears. 
"Pets Haven is a pro-life shelter and we have an extensive network of foster carers and volunteers who will be part of our continued free care.

Molly, one of the first dogs to be taken into care is recovering well from her burns, but the next stage of rehabilitation is starting to come to light.  Molly had been an outside dog all her life, but after losing her mate in the blaze she is showing signs of separation anxiety, not willing to leave the side of her carers or remain outside longer than a few minutes.  It's hard to know what behavioural issues will come from pets that have lived through a traumatic situation like this, but PetRescue has called on the services of one of Australia's eminent Veterinarian Behaviourists, Debbie Calnon, to assist the rescuers and pet owners with any help they may need.

"The rehabilitation of these animals will be a long road, but Pets Haven will be here for the long haul, offering all the assistance we can," said Trish.

PETS HAVEN NEED YOUR HELP

Volunteers are urgently needed to assist with both the care and recovery of bush fire affected animals and to assist in the Pets Haven shelter.

Donations are needed to continue the long term care of pets.

Visit the Pets Haven website to find out how to help today.

Reference: Visit the Pets Haven website to find out how to help today.

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