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A global wave of support continues to grow for the dozens, and possibly hundreds, of cats that survived the devastating fire at Happy Cat Sanctuary in Medford, as a GoFundMe campaign for their care is now approaching $220,000.
The fundraiser, launched within hours of Monday’s tragic blaze, has garnered international attention and is trending Tuesday in GoFundMe’s featured position. More than 4,000 donors have contributed to the cause, hoping to aid the surviving cats, many of whom require urgent medical care.
Rescue groups and animal hospitals across Suffolk County are stepping in to help the displaced felines. Some of the most critically injured have been taken to veterinary clinics in Mattituck, West Islip and Port Jefferson. Among them was a cat named Phoenix, who suffered severe burns and was placed in the care of an experienced rescuer but succumbed to his injuries early on Tuesday.
Monday’s fire claimed the life of Happy Cat Sanctuary’s founder, Chris Arsenault, 65, who witnesses said ran in and out of the burning structure attempting to save as many cats as he could. At least 100 cats perished in the blaze, with officials and animal rescue teams still working to determine the final toll.
You can click here to contribute to the GoFundMe raising money for the care and adoption of Happy Cat Sanctuary cats
Lisa Jaeger of Jaeger’s Run Animal Rescue, Frankie Floridia of Strong Island Animal Rescue, and Virginia Scudder of North Fork Country Kids are among the rescuers leading efforts to secure and care for the surviving cats. It was Jaeger who established the GoFundMe effort that has gained widespread attention.
“This tragedy shouldn’t have happened,” Jaeger wrote on Facebook. “But we are doing our best to secure the cats who survived. We would like to thank all the people who dropped what they were doing and came with carriers and blankets and towels and the greatest intentions.”
Below is an update from Jaeger on the rescue effort in Medford.
Donations to the GoFundMe campaign, and other efforts related to the Happy Cat Sanctuary tragedy, are expected to help pay for medical expenses, temporary shelter and adoption efforts for the surviving cats. Rescuers continue to search for more cats that may have escaped the fire and remain in the surrounding area.
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Top photos: GoFundMe and Facebook
