Mr. Rogers once said, "Always look for the helpers. There will always be helpers." In times of crisis, these words ring especially true. Over the past week, countless helpers have emerged to rescue animals affected by the devastating fires—and today, we want to shine a spotlight on some of these incredible heroes.
Leah Sturgis, a dedicated board member of Social Compassion in Legislation, tragically lost her home in the fire this past week. But despite her personal loss, Leah returned to Malibu to assist in rescuing animals—both pets and wildlife—left stranded in the aftermath.
Leah has always had a deep love and commitment to the animals, which is why she joined our board in 2019. Over the years, her advocacy work has focused on pressing issues like whale entanglement and the protection of bobcats and mountain lions. But in the past 10 days, the resilience and dedication she’s shown in the face of such hardship have been nothing short of heroic.
Our hearts go out to Leah for everything she’s endured, yet she has continued to put others first, fighting tirelessly for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are endlessly grateful for her bravery and commitment. Leah truly is a hero for the animals and for us.
More Heroes Saving Animals...
We also must highlight the extraordinary work and partnership that the Paws of War (PoW) team has provided over the last week.
As a 25 year disaster responder, Niki Dawson has been deployed to many major disasters, including Katrina, Joplin and the Alabama tornadoes, Hurricanes Barry, Ian, Dorian, Sandy, Matthew, Helene, and Milton, as well as flooding in Louisiana and Cedar Rapids. During these events, she served as Incident Commander as well as field response and search and rescue. All of this on top of being a certified animal control officer in New Jersey and a certified animal cruelty investigator of 35 years. She also served as the director of the Hudson County animal response team for 10 years and was a member of the UASI steering committee to develop CART protocols for the state.
Also with the PoW team is Angelique Williams, a 20-year Navy veteran who served in Iraq and Kuwait and has conducted search and rescue missions for humans overseas.
Jane Garrison enlisted both to lead the on-the-ground effort for Social Compassion. These heroes flew in from New Jersey and hit the ground running, doing everything in their power to reach animals in need in the Palisades and Malibu fire areas. Over the last week we have been astounded by their sheer effort and determination to save animals' lives!
More about Jane Garrison, Judie's friend of 30 years, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Oswit Land Trust. Jane and Judie first teamed up in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to help save thousands of animals. Here they are again, 20 years later, doing whatever they can to save every animal possible. Jane has been in and out of the fire areas, setting up feeding stations and reaching as many animals as possible. If you skipped it, go back up to read more about her part in finding Oreo the dog!
We know that there are a lot of other heroes out there - you know who you are and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Click on the photo of the parrot below to watch the KTLA segment on Leah, Niki, and Angelique in the field, working to save animals.
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