{"id":21059,"date":"2024-10-28T23:14:16","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T23:14:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todayastro.in\/?p=21059"},"modified":"2024-10-28T23:14:16","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T23:14:16","slug":"firefighter-adopts-a-cat-that-survived-devastating-fire-at-pet-alliance-of-orlando","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/todayastro.in\/firefighter-adopts-a-cat-that-survived-devastating-fire-at-pet-alliance-of-orlando\/","title":{"rendered":"Firefighter Adopts a Cat That Survived Devastating Fire at Pet Alliance of Orlando"},"content":{"rendered":"
In a heartbreaking event on the night of September 15, 2021, the Pet Alliance of Orlando, Central Florida\u2019s oldest and largest animal welfare organization, was engulfed in flames. Founded in 1937 as the Orlando Humane Society, Pet Alliance has long served as a sanctuary for countless animals in need.<\/p>\n
A Tragic Blaze and Heroic Rescue Efforts<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Photo by @bigpoppatnrcolony<\/em><\/p>\n For Director Steve Bardy and Pet Alliance\u2019s dedicated volunteers, it was a nightmare come to life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Orange County Fire Rescue, sheriff\u2019s department, and local animal services joined forces to save as many lives as possible. Rescuers managed to save all 26 dogs and 45 cats from the building, though tragically, 23 cats lost their lives. Fortunately, many of the Pet Alliance animals were in foster care during the blaze, and no staff members were on-site at the time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A Long Search for Survivors<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n A Hero\u2019s Adoption Story<\/strong> <\/p>\n \u201cI picked her up, and after that, it was just it,\u201d he told WFTV9. \u201cShe was a lover. I could tell she was so scared and timid\u2026 I kind of just fell in love with her.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Mia, who was also pregnant, became the last cat saved that day. Deeply moved by her gentle resilience, Maneri visited the Pet Alliance\u2019s Sanford location the following morning, where Mia and other rescued animals had been taken for evaluation. Without hesitation, he signed her adoption papers and welcomed her into his family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n A Community\u2019s Response to Tragedy<\/strong> <\/p>\n Images via MyNews13<\/em><\/p>\n Mia\u2019s New Life<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n To support the rebuilding efforts for Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, donations can be made on their official website.<\/p>\n Photo by Facebook\/PetAllianceGO<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In a heartbreaking event on the night of September 15, 2021, the Pet Alliance of Orlando, Central Florida\u2019s oldest and largest animal welfare organization, was engulfed in flames. Founded in 1937 as the Orlando Humane Society, Pet Alliance has long served as a sanctuary for countless animals in need. A Tragic Blaze and Heroic Rescue […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":21075,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nThe fire erupted in the clinic area, soon engulfing the 5,000-square-foot complex with flames that reached 30 feet high. A collapsed roof hindered rescue attempts, trapping animals inside the maze-like building. The clinic had been scheduled to close the following Friday due to a staffing shortage, adding another tragic layer to the story.<\/p>\n
\nThe morning after the fire, first responders found three more cats hiding in the rubble, alive against all odds. However, the damage was catastrophic, and the entire building was deemed a total loss. An investigation began to determine the cause of the fire, and, notably, the 1989-built facility lacked fire sprinklers, which were not required at the time. This tragedy may prompt updated safety regulations for future animal shelters.<\/p>\n
\nAmid the chaos, firefighter Brett Maneri, a devoted dog and cat lover, was one of the heroes on the scene. During the rescue, he encountered Mia, a brown-and-orange tabby who had found refuge behind a cat condo. Immediately drawn to her, Maneri felt an undeniable connection.<\/p>\n
\nFollowing the fire, the Pet Alliance of Orlando received an overwhelming wave of support from the community. Volunteers arrived with truckloads of supplies, and locals donated warehouse space to store the items. Cash donations quickly exceeded $500,000, which will help fund a new shelter location estimated to cost millions.<\/p>\n
\nNow safely home, Mia is settling in and exploring her surroundings with curiosity. Thanks to firefighter Brett Maneri, she has a loving home and a new beginning.<\/p>\n