VET help at Bastrop Fires

When the distressing news coming from Texas about the Bastrop fire reports that nearly 1400 houses have burned and at least two people have died, it’s easy to get caught up in the disaster from a human standpoint. Unfortunately, wildfires also affect countless animals, including search and rescue dogs that are assisting rescue efforts. This is where the VET (Veterinary Emergency Team) of Texas comes in. Yesterday, they deployed several members- including DVMs, vet techs, and vet students- to care for the dogs helping emergency responders and to assess the needs of other affected animals.

Obviously, keeping structures from burning and people safe is priority #1. A close second, in our opinion, is the safety of the animals. Losing your home is devastating, losing your pet as well is absolutely catastrophic. After all, many people consider their pets family members. And we haven’t even touched on all the wild animals who lose their homes, get injured, and possibly perish.

To this end, Dr Colin Combs and West Ridge Animal Hospital have been very active participants in our local Weld County Animal Response Team (Weld CART) for several years now. Fortunately, there hasn’t been much need for it so far. They did, however, all respond during the Windsor tornado in 2008; rescuing countless pets and wild animals from certain ruin. The Weld CART team is a “group of law enforcement, fire, veterinary, shelter, and other agencies with a shared goal of increasing awareness of animal issues in disasters through public education and awareness”. They also assist in providing resources to local jurisdictions throughout the county in the event of a disaster.

Veterinarians, by default, are extremely compassionate people. This is just another way they are able to fulfill their passion of taking care of helpless animals.

-- Weld CART is accepting volunteers and donations of items needed in case of an emergency. If you are able to do so, it is greatly appreciated!--