Altadena Man Cries With Joy After Reuniting With Cat Who Went Missing During LA Wildfires
Amidst all the devastation left behind by the raging Los Angeles wildfires, one man experienced an unexpected fluffy miracle that will remain etched in his heart forever. (Watch video above)
Stephen — a resident of Altadena — never thought he’d see his beloved cat again after several days of separation. As he fled the Eaton fire area one fateful evening, Stephen knew he had lost it all — his home and his cherished feline companion, Carrot Cake. He returned the next day to find his house in ashes and ruins, with Carrot Cake nowhere to be seen. At this moment, Stephen couldn’t help but think that the worst had happened to Carrot Cake — only that he was mistaken.
A Little Fighter
Unknown to Stephen, first responders had found Carrot Cake just in the nick of time and rushed him to Pasadena Humane. Poor Carrot Cake had, unfortunately, sustained burns on his paws and suffered singed fur. All in all, the shelter considered it a miracle that they found him alive, given how unforgivingly fierce the fires were.
While at Pasadena Humane, Carrot Cake received treatment and some much-needed TLC to make a full recovery. It was soon discovered that Carrot Cake had a microchip, and the shelter wasted no time trying to reach his owner.
Hearing that his treasured cat was alive and safe was news that Stephen never saw coming.
“I knew he was a fighter. I thought maybe he had survived. It’s not that surprising to me, if any cat was going to survive, I knew it was going to be this one. But I just can’t believe he is here….I can’t believe they found him actually, I never thought I’d see him again,” Stephen shared.
The Emotional Reunion
A heartwarming video posted on YouTube by Pasadena Humane captured the moment Stephen reunited with his beloved cat. The tear-jerking clip shows a staff member carrying Carrot Cake inside a cat carrier while walking toward Stephen, who’s eagerly waiting to see his lost-and-found feline friend. As soon as Stephen opens the carrier door, he’s overcome with emotions as he pets Carrot Cake in disbelief.
“My daughter who is 8 years old is gonna cry so much when she sees him. You made it! Oh My God. I cannot believe this cat is alive,” an overjoyed Stephen is heard saying.
As other hopeful owners continue to search for their missing pets in the wake of the LA wildfires, Carrot Cake’s reunion with his owner serves as a timely reminder of why it’s necessary to get your pet microchipped.
“Microchipping is an important part of responsible pet ownership. If your pet becomes lost, a microchip can help ensure that he or she is quickly found and easily reunited with you. Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip is a permanent form of identification that cannot be lost,” explains pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka.
