Whitman County Humane Society

WCHS Rescues Cats from Malden Fire

Over the Labor Day weekend, 80% of the Whitman County town of Malden, WA was destroyed by a fire. Our hearts go out to the people of Malden!

Thankfully, no people were injured, but many animals are still unaccounted for. Volunteer animal control officer Tina Coe said that they are still trying to catch some of the scared cats for whom home has now become unrecognizable.

The ash was still smoldering when people turned on their hoses. That’s when some of the traumatized resident cats who had suffered burns came back—to lie in the cool, wet grass.

But there was nowhere for the animals to go. Most of the owners have no home to go back to, and some of the cats needed medical attention and care immediately. WCHS has coordinated efforts with Tina in Malden and with WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). While several cats have been rescued, more are expected. Tina has seen about a dozen roaming around that they are still hoping to catch.

The cats were checked in to emergency critical care at the VTH where Kylene Daschofsky, who happens to be both a WCHS board member and a 4th year vet student, assisted with the initial intake. She has been monitoring the cats’ progress and reported on three of the cats.

Shelby (the cat pictured with the yellow bandages) has burns to her paws. Her owner’s home was one of the many lost to the devastating blaze. WCHS is taking care of the cat’s medical needs and will provide shelter until the owner can take her back. Bliss (the kitten with the pink and blue bandages) has burns on her abdomen as well.

Kylene said that Phoenix came in with burns to his nose, face, and ears as well as to his feet. He will need the most care but is holding his own right now.

All the cats have signs of smoke inhalation which results in mild lung damage. Some may need oxygen. They also are reluctant to walk because their paws are so painful. Every day they need their wounds debrided and their bandages re-dressed. Nevertheless, their prognosis is good!

The Malden cats need varying degrees of intensive medical management every day. When they leave the hospital, they will come to the shelter for ongoing attention that will literally get them back on their feet.

Shelter Director Ashley Phelps says that our community has been astonishingly generous and over $17,000 has been raised to care for the Malden cats. Ashley said the donations allow the shelter to do what is in these cats’ best interest.

Ashley said that WCHS is getting ready to provide care at the shelter and is also making arrangements for home care through the WCHS foster program.

What can you do to help? Ashley said that if you are thinking about adopting, now would be a good time! Your adoption will free up space for the homeless cats of Malden.

Finally, you can always donate to the cause! At the Whitman County Humane Society website you can indicate that you want your gift to go to the “Whitman County Fire Victims” fund. Thank you for your compassionate generosity.

Phoenix

Membership Matters!

Dues-paying members are the backbone of our organization. Your help makes it possible for us to provide compassionate care for homeless pets in our community. Become a WCHS member today!

Star Pet

Meet Second Chance Chauncey

Hi! I’m Chauncey and I’m looking for a second chance. I was found as a skinny, beat up stray cat that nobody claimed. The people who found me held onto me for several weeks asking around for my owners before finally bringing me to WCHS. I have big beautiful blue eyes and a winning personality. But I also have scratches, scars, and hair loss from all the cat fights I have been in while I was out trying to survive on the streets.

Unfortunately, I did not leave those battles unscathed. I contracted Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). I know this sounds scary, but thankfully with regular vet care and an indoor only life, I can live a long and happy life! The shelter staff think I am about seven year’s old. I am a sweet guy and love to get head and neck scratches! If you're looking for a feline friend to spoil, why not me? Care to give me a second chance?

My adoption fee is $90—I am vaccinated, dewormed, micorchipped, FIV+ but FeLV and Heartworm negative, and have been cleared by a vet for adoption.