A household in North Carolina has been reunited with their pet cat after he was swept away in Hurricane Helene floodwaters.
In line with a information launch from the Greatest Buddy’s Animal Society, the Burnsville household watched as their beloved animal tried to climb to security on a neighbor’s roof throughout the storm final month, earlier than he finally misplaced his grip because the roof floated downstream and disappeared from view.
Nevertheless, the household — who had been compelled to evacuate their property — returned to their house over every week later to seek out the cat, named Ricardo Blanco, ready there.
Nan Collins, the cat’s proprietor, mentioned that she and her household didn’t quit hope that they might finally discover Ricardo Blanco alive and properly.
“He is doing fantastic, taking part in and doing all the traditional stuff,” Collins advised the Greatest Buddy’s Animal Society.
She added, “His full title is Ricardo Blanco as a result of he is like a little bit film actor, so vigorous and playful. He is like a pet canine and desires to be beside you and take a stroll.”
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After he was rescued, Ricardo Blanco was handled for an ear and eye an infection, in addition to some ticks, via a free cell vet clinic that was arrange at a close-by shelter by the Greatest Associates Animal Society.
“There are such a lot of tales identical to that of Ricardo Blanco and his household all through western North Carolina,” mentioned Audrey Lodato, Director of Regional Applications for the Greatest Associates Animal Society.
“By opening a free cell clinic, Greatest Associates Animal Society is working to fill a spot for companies, offering fundamental veterinary care to the Western North Carolina group for gratis so that folks and their pets can keep collectively throughout this tough time,” she continued.
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Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Class 4 storm on Sept. 26, leaving hundreds of thousands with out energy and over 200 individuals lifeless.
To be taught extra about the best way to assist with aid, restoration and rebuilding efforts from Hurricane Helene, click on right here.