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It’s been a devastating week for the people of Los Angeles. The raging wildfires that have destroyed entire communities and historic structures, along with the failure and malfeasance of the elected officials who facilitated the tragedy and are exacerbating it further, cannot be quantified. But as Mr. Rogers said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” 

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This week’s Feel-Good Friday is about the Helpers, particularly those who are helping the animals.

Seeing people deal with the destruction of their homes is one thing — but it is even more heartbreaking when they have no resource for their animals. Horses are a particularly delicate issue because they are prey animals, easily frightened and affected by the environment around them. A man named Jacob Deutsch in Simi Valley, CA, understood this, and also the distress the horse owners were under to not only find a safe haven but to be able to safely transport the horse there. So Deutsch has spread the word that he can pick up anyone’s horses and transport the animals to a safe space at no charge.  

The Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank is one of those places opening their doors free of charge to house displaced horses.

 

Our editor Bob Hoge highlighted earlier the story of Veterinarian Annie Harvilicz, who owns two animal hospitals in Marina del Rey near the Los Angeles International Airport. Dr. Harvilicz sent out a missive on Facebook letting people know she could house their pets, and her inbox exploded, not just with requests for Harvilicz to care for their animals. Many of the replies were from people who offered to help her in any way they could or to volunteer their time.

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 So far Harvilicz has taken in 40 dogs and cats and one rabbit, but as the fires continue to rage and people assess their situations, no doubt she will take in more, as Hoge wrote. 

“To me, this is a no-brainer. I looked around and said, ‘I have a lot of space here. I can help.”

This video shows more of Harvilicz’s story, as well as stories of other Helpers who are housing, rescuing, and facilitating the safe transport of these abandoned and displaced creatures. Pasadena Humane Society has taken in over 300 animals, and the L.A. Animal Shelter has also become overloaded. If you would like to be a Helper by donating toward the emergency care and aid for these animals, follow the links on the X posts from these organizations.

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