Loving Animals and Living with Wildfires

Unfortunately, living in Santa Clarita means living with wildfires.  It is so scary when we have a wildfire and there is so much to think about; what to bring, where to go, are you safe?  It is not only scary for people, it is scary for animals too.   Our animals depend on us to get them to safety as well.
With smaller animals like dogs and cats, it is easier to get them in the car and take them with us.  However, with larger animals, like horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and cows, it is much more difficult.  Sixty-one percent of all people affected by fire do not evacuate because of their animals.  That can prove to be disastrous for the humans as well as the animals.  Alternatively, people leave their animals behind or turn them loose thinking they will know how to fend for themselves.  “Animals cannot fend for themselves,” says Jay Weiner of The Gentle Barn, “they are domesticated and no longer have their wild instinct. They are part of our family and rely on us to help them in a disaster.”
With a desire to help people and animals in Santa Clarita, The Gentle Barn started their Emergency Animal Rescue Services to help other families get their animals to safety in a wildfire.  Over the last several years, we have helped many animals get out in time and many people feel safe to evacuate.
“When you have larger animals, it is imperative to have an evacuation plan, such as, a truck and trailer, or someone you can call in time of need.  Please do not leave your animals behind, call us and we will help!” says Jay Weiner.
For more information about E.A.R.S. please go to www.gentlebarn.org
The Gentle Barn is a sanctuary for abused and special needs animals who help abused and special needs children.  The Gentle Barn is open for visitors every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, go to: www.gentlebarn.org.