LA Wildfires Forced This Dog to Wear a N95 Mask—And He’s Not Having It!
Dubbed the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, the Palisades Fire is wreaking havoc on the lives of residents and their pets. Among them is Ralphie, a dog now donning an N95 mask to protect against the dangerous smoke blanketing the city. (Watch video below)
Ralphie’s owner, actress and comedian Sarah Rachel Lazarus (@sarahrlazarus), shared his amusing reaction on TikTok. The video, which has since gone viral, captures Ralphie’s clear displeasure with his new protective gear, striking a chord with viewers everywhere.
Dog Annoyed For Wearing Mask
Designed specifically for dogs, Ralphie’s mask is meant to protect him from the thick smoke caused by the Pacific Palisades wildfires during walks. However, Ralphie is not too happy about it, and his reaction in the video says it all.
In the clip, Sarah can be heard trying to coax him, saying, “You have to go for a walk. There’s smoke outside. You have to wear that.” But her words do little to convince Ralphie, who stands frozen in place, glaring up at his mom with a look of pure annoyance, refusing to budge.
Ralphie’s hilarious antics have provided a lighthearted moment for millions amidst the devastation of the Palisades Fire. The video has garnered 2.5 million views, over 474K likes, and thousands of comments.
A user wrote in the comments section, “He said nothing, but yet those eyes spoke a million words at the same time. 😂” Another, Murph, added, “Thank you for protecting your baby!!”
“Ralphie’s story is a perfect reminder of the lengths pet parents go to in order to protect their furry family members, even in the face of a disaster like the Palisades Fire,” said Rocky Kanaka, pet rescue advocate.
Ralphie and His Mom Find Safety
In a recent update, Sarah and Ralphie have evacuated Los Angeles and relocated to San Diego. Ralphie is now seen joyfully running along the beach, basking in the fresh air. His delight at finally being mask-free is truly heartwarming to witness.
Many pets in LA haven’t been as fortunate and have been displaced from their homes and families due to the fires. Canine Club Rescue is working tirelessly to find foster homes for these animals in need. If you’d like to help, you can support their efforts by fostering a pet or making a donation.
How To Help: Donate or Volunteer For Animals in Los Angeles
Many Los Angeles and nearby animal rescues are asking for donations and emergency foster families. If you are able and wish to donate, here are several funds dedicated to helping animals displaced or injured by the LA fires:
- Pasadena Humane Emergency Wildfire Relief Fund
- Lange Foundation
- Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation
If you live near the Los Angeles area and have not been affected by the wildfires, consider reaching out to a Los Angeles shelter to learn about their foster program. Pets going to foster homes frees space for new surrenders and displaced pets, and allows rescues and shelters to expand their reach and the number of pets they can help.
Keeping Pets Safe from Wildfire Smoke
Are you worried about protecting your dog from the wildfire smoke? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a factsheet for pet owners looking for information about safeguarding their pets against wildfire smoke. It says, “Your pets can be affected by wildfire smoke. If you feel the effects of smoke, they probably do, too!”
Smoke can irritate their eyes and respiratory tract, and pets with heart or lung disease, as well as older pets, are especially vulnerable. Keep a close eye on them during periods of poor air quality.
Recognize the Warning Signs
If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately:
- Eye, nose, or throat issues (redness, discharge, inflammation)
- Coughing or gagging
- Breathing difficulties (open-mouth breathing, noisy breathing, rapid breathing)
- Lethargy or weakness
- Disorientation, stumbling, or uneven gait
- Decreased appetite or thirst
What To Do
When smoke is present, prioritize your pet’s safety by keeping them indoors with doors and windows closed. If your pets are outdoors, bring them into a well-ventilated room, such as a utility room, garage, or bathroom. Move hazardous products, like pesticides, out of reach to prevent accidents. Pet birds are especially vulnerable to smoke, so keep them indoors when air quality is poor.
You must maintain clear indoor air when smoke is present. Avoid activities that add particles to the air, such as frying or broiling foods, vacuuming, burning candles or tobacco products, and using fireplaces or wood stoves. Limit outdoor time and physical activities with your pets when air quality is poor. Let dogs and cats outside only for brief bathroom breaks, and avoid strenuous activities like running or hiking.
Evacuation Plan With Your Pets
To ensure a smooth evacuation with your pets, plan ahead:
- Permanently identify your pets with microchips or other forms of identification.
- Research pet-friendly emergency shelters and evacuation routes.
- Know your pets’ hiding spots in case of stress.
- Acclimate your pets to their carriers, and conduct regular evacuation drills with your family.
- Consider covering carriers with a sheet during transport to calm nervous pets.
If you’re forced to leave your pets behind during an evacuation, prioritize their safety by not tying them up, as this can put them in greater danger. Instead, leave them in a safe and secure location with access to essential necessities like food, water, and shelter.