Veterinarian helps 500 animals hurt in Valley Fire
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. (KGO) -- After the devastating Valley Fire in Napa, Sonoma, and Lake counties there are many silver linings.
Dr. Jeffrey Smith, D.V.M., of the Middletown Animal Hospital has helped about 500 animals that received various types of injures.
DONATIONS: How to help victims of the Valley Fire where you live
On Thursday, a pit bull name Miclo was brought in because someone shot him in the leg and face two days after the fire began. Miclo's owner, Exequiel Cervantes, doesn't know how or why his dog was shot.
"We heard him cry next to my dad's room," explained Cervantes.
It's one more tough story in a community filled with them, which is why Smith and this hospital have worked non-stop to save pets that continue to come in.
Smith said, "Well, it's important because people rely on them as a source of solace."
When most of these animals come in, the hospital and staff rarely know anything about them -- no names, ages, or owners -- just the conditions in which they were found.
One badly burned little kitten was found alone in a garage. A Dachshund just wandered into the local grocery store.
Vet assistant Jennifer Tennison has been here since the first day. She said, "It is exhausting, but so worth it."
The hospital is also helping those who lost their homes in the fire who do have their pets. Jennifer Nelson and Hayden Schwinn lost their home, but at least Shorty and Cricket have a roof over their heads. Small gifts and gestures mean a lot, right now.
"It is a big help. If not, I don't know what I would really do," said Cervantes.
In tough times, it is best to keep your friends around.
On the Middletown Animal Hospital's Facebook page, they posted an update saying Miclo, the pit bull, is doing well.
If you would like to help the Middletown Animal Hospital click here.
Click here to find out if you qualify for assistance from FEMA.
If you lost your home in the Valley Fire, FEMA wants you to call them.
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