ArcaMax

I knew it was a big ask when I reached out to Los Angeles area veterinarian Dr. Annie Harvilicz to see if she could talk to me. She's known by most as "Dr. Annie," and when a friend shared her social media posts showing her efforts to save animals caught in the raging fires, I knew people outside of greater Los Angeles had to know about her work. Dr. Annie took the time to message with me via the Telegram app.

Dr. Annie Harvilicz is the chief medical officer of a veterinary hospital in Marina del Rey, California, and founder of the nonprofit The Animal Wellness Foundation. Humans are not the only victims of these horrific wildfires. So many of the homes that burned were homes that included beloved pets.

Her rescue efforts began when her brother and his family needed to evacuate their home in the Palisades. They couldn't take their pet rabbit or cat with them. Dr. Annie was there to help, understanding that her brother was not the only one without options for their cherished animals. She took to social media to offer help as the Palisades were evacuated on Jan. 7.

It turns out Dr. Annie had just moved her veterinary hospital and still had access to her old facility. She also has an animal hospital in nearby Harbor City which is able to accommodate larger animals. On social media, she begged people to not leave their animals behind. But for some families that have multiple animals, there simply wasn't enough time.

Wind gusts of 100 miles per hour meant the need to evacuate was immediate. People were in imminent danger. This was the case when one resident couldn't wait for a trailer Dr. Annie had coordinated for their nine donkeys. The resident's only option was to release the donkeys, flea for safety and hope for the best.

That was two weeks ago, and as of this writing, the Palisades and Eaton fires are still burning with more than 12,300 structures lost.

Those nine donkeys have been found and fortunately are doing well. "This is the most incredible news," Dr. Annie wrote in a social media post, "and is giving me the motivation to keep going."

Dr. Annie's foundation continues to care for animals affected. Along with cats, dogs and bunnies, they have taken in chickens, cockatoos, parrots and even two small tortoises. The foundation has also opened a "Free Pet Store" with donated pet products and food for "anyone displaced by the fires or suddenly finding themselves out of work," she said.

The foundation continues to work with organizations rescuing animals from behind the firelines, treating animals for smoke inhalation and respiratory infection. They are also working with rescue organizations that are helping animals being cleared from city and county shelters. Foster families in safe zones have stepped up to house many displaced animals.

"We anticipate this being a marathon not a sprint," Dr. Annie said, since "As the fires come under control we are going to see more animals that need medical attention being rescued."

They are working to expand their clinic to accommodate these needs. But it takes money to make it happen. Dr. Annie said that the project will cost $800,000 and her foundation has raised $248,270 so far. "Every donation moves us closer to our goal," she said. It helps provide vital care to more animals affected by the fires.

As I write this, my pets -- two cats and a dog -- are curled up nearby, safe and warm. I could not imagine losing my home to this kind of emergency and not knowing where to turn for help with my fur babies. They deserve safety and security, too.

As you make donations to organizations such as the Red Cross to help those affected by the fires near Los Angeles, I hope you will also remember Dr. Annie and make a donation to her Animal Wellness Foundation as well.

"Together, we can make a lasting difference," she said.

You can donate at www.animalwellnessfoundation.org and also follow updates from Dr. Annie on Facebook at www.facebook.com/annie.harvilicz.

Do you know anyone who's doing cool things to make the world a better place? I want to know. Send me an email at Bonnie@WriterBonnie.com. Check out Bonnie's weekly YouTube videos at https://www.youtube.com/bonniejeanfeldkamp. To find out more about Bonnie Jean Feldkamp and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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