Hi Reader.

Our hearts have been heavy as the wildfires in California tear through communities. It's hard to even grasp the idea that 10 lives, 10,000 structures, and we're sure hundreds of pet's lives have been lost.

We remember how helpless we felt as we watched fires overtake Jessica's and Chloe's local communities in Colorado back on December 30, 2021.

Seeing the magnitude of loss in California feels almost too overwhelming to process.

We have gathered information to share with our community who may be feeling similar to us, and so that you can share some resources with anyone you know who has been affected.

Information and Assistance

• California Wildfire Resources by Meryl Suissa, Founder Marshall Fire Community. Meryl stepped up and has continued to manage a Facebook Group for everyone affected by the wildfires in Colorado 3 years ago. During that time she learned a lot and people shared a lot. She gathered the top pieces of information together in this document to help those who have lost everything and are not sure where to turn. If you know anyone that this could help, please pass it along.
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• The Watch Duty App. For anyone looking for real-time updates, firefighting efforts, and real-time alerts (via mobile app). You can check the website or download the mobile app on Apple or Android. To see updates do the following:
  • Click on the incident / fire
  • You will see Evacuation Notices and Notes
  • After you scroll past Evacuation Notices, you will see a feed with Updates and a second tab for Shelters (for people + animals)
• 211 LA and Airbnb. Airbnb.org is partnering with the 211 LA organization who is identifying residents in need of temporary housing and helping to connect them to Airbnb stays. They are specifically focused on residents who have either lost their home or been forced to evacuate in the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Sylmar areas. Impacted residents can request assistance for temporary housing support from Airbnb.org by filling out this intake form with 211 LA.
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• MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources shared this on Instagram. Visit mutualaidla.org if you are looking to help out. You can search through the list for orgs who have listed Volunteer & Donation needs. You can also check out this post for more details around how to mobilize or the Group Directory to plug into a local group that might be mobilizing already.
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• Spread the word to NOT drink water from evacuated areas. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEl4aJFtU1F/ The State Water Resources Control Board, Pasadena Public Health Department, and Pasadena Water and Power Water System are advising Pasadena residents to NOT USE THE TAP WATER FOR DRINKING AND COOKING IN THE IMPACTED AREAS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. DO NOT DRINK YOUR TAP WATER AND USE ONLY BOTTLED WATER. DO NOT TRY AND TREAT THE WATER YOURSELF.

Animal Specific Assistance

• Pasadena Humane shared several animal specific updates in this Instagram post. They also shared this, "Our Animal Control Officers have been on the ground helping animals in the community. While they are not going into the active fire areas, we are preparing to get in many injured animals that will need our help in those areas once the fires are cleared. If you find injured wildlife, please text our wildlife helpline at 626.344.1129. If you find any other animal, including dogs and cats, please call Animal Control at 626.792.7151 ext. 970."
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• Emergency Animal Shelter Information: L.A. County Fires. See here where to take large animals and/or small animals.
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• Southern California Veterinary Medical Association is posting regular updates with information for local people on their Facebook Page.
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• Free answers to pet health questions. Pet parents in California who have pet health questions can book a video consult with a licensed Chewy Veterinarian for free with code: CHEWYHELPS. They did not say when this would expire.

Donations

• ​Pasadena Humane​
• ​California Fire Foundation​
• ​World Central Kitchen (to provide fresh meals to communities in need)

Special Community Fundraiser Feature

On January 4th, Laura Nativo posted this photo of her and Nicole Ellis on her Facebook Page. It was to honor the passing of Karen Pryor, which was a tragedy in and of itself. It's hard to comprehend how just a few days later each of them fled their homes and are now facing the tragedy of losing everything. Both Laura and Nicole have been a part of the BlogPaws Community for many years. From seeing them at past conferences, to seeing them at trade shows, to working with Nicole on blogging campaigns or with Laura when she spoke at the BlogPaws Conference in Nashville, both of these inspiring women have become our dear friends. We are beyond heartbroken for the shock they find themselves in today as the memories they created over many, many years...are simply ashes. If you want to make a donation and know exactly who it is going to, consider donating to either (or both) of their fundraisers. It's impossible to put a dollar sign on what they lost. ​Laura's GoFundMe​ ​Nicole's GoFundMe ​

The fires still rage, which means there will be more updates. If you have information you believe we should share, or you know another BlogPaws Community member who has lost their home, please reply and share that with us.

Hug your loved ones,

The BlogPaws Team