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We’ve Seen Fire and We’ve Seen Rain and Mud
BUNS has been busy caring for evacuees from the Thomas Fire and Montecito mud slides. Emergency care during evacuations is part of the work that BUNS. We are grateful that we were able to help our bunny and guinea pig families during this emergency.
FIRE
As the Thomas Fire began to burn toward Carpinteria, we began to prepare for evacuees. Phil pulled and cleaned emergency cages, litter pans and crocks. He set them up and we waited for mandatory evacuation notices.
In the meantime, a blanket of smoke covered the south coast. Holiday travel plans or just a need to get children out of the smoke added to the crisis. We began to get calls for help. But, the shelter will only take animals from mandatory evacuation zones. So a number BUNS volunteers took rabbits into their own homes.
One family was in San Francisco when their rabbit sitter was evacuated and unable to care for the rabbits. Another had travel reservations, but their sitter cancelled due to the fire. Another family was in a voluntary evacuation zone, but could not take their bunnies with them. BUNS volunteers took over 10 rabbits into their homes.
With mandatory evacuations we took 5 evacuated rabbits into the shelter. Then Animal Services announced that other evacuated rabbits should go the the Santa Barbara Humane Society. We were shocked. But the middle of an emergency is no time to argue. BUNS President Kimmy Swann went to the Humane Society with an offer of help. They had no rabbit cages or supplies. BUNS volunteers moved our emergency cages and with supplies to the Humane Society. Each day a BUNS volunteer would go to the Humane Society, clean cages, bring litter boxes back to BUNS, rinse and refill, pick up fresh salad and take it all back to the Humane Society. We cared for 5 rabbits and 2 guinea pigs at the Humane Society and five rabbits at the shelter.
BUNS volunteers also helped at the Red Cross Shelter at UCSB. We helped set up crates to keep the 2 bunnies, 16 dogs, 5 cats and 2 birds safe. One 84 year old woman was crying because her cat would not eat or drink. After it was in a large crate, with a litter box and bowls it started eating and drinking. She was so happy.
Our volunteers worked long hours wearing face masks. The holidays, the fire, and UCSB winter break left only a small group of BUNS volunteers. Many worked extra days and extra hours at the shelter, Humane Society and the Red Cross shelter. Two of our volunteers, both named Jackie, were off work due to the fire and a school break. They were especially generous with their time. We were so happy when families were able to collect their rabbits and go home. We thought we would get a well deserved rest.
RAIN and MUD
Then, Monday Jan. 7, mandatory evacuation was declared due to threat of mudslides. Our first call came Monday night. Effie, a fire evacuee, who had just gone home, needed a place to stay again. Of course, we said yes, bring her to the shelter. We will find a place for her.
This time, Animal Services agreed that BUNS could accept evacuated rabbits and guinea pigs. Once again we set up emergency cages. Over the next few days BUNS took in over 30 rabbits and guinea pigs. Many of them had just gone home after the last evacuation. Our population more than doubled. County staff and volunteers from the ASPCA and Marin County went into the mudslide to rescue animals that had been left behind. One guinea pig came in on Sunday wet and muddy. The Zaida’s took her home to clean up and dry off.
Four evacuated guinea pigs came to BUNS. Their owner came in to visit and give her piggies treats. While the owner was holding and loving her piggies she started crying. She said how grateful she was her babies were being so well cared for. Her house was destroyed in the mud slide, she was traumatized, but her piggies were well cared for.
Many evacuees came to visit their bunny and guinea pig friends. We welcomed them. They had many stressful situations to deal with, but at least their animals were safe and cared for.
Again our volunteers stepped up and worked extra hours and days. Russ, our Thursday lead, could not to get to the shelter from Carpinteria. Ana, near the edge of the evacuation zone had to talk her way in and out more than once. But everyone pitched in. We were tired, but willing.
Jordano's donated many boxes of lettuce. The lettuce helped with the bunny salads, but also fed over 100 chickens at the Humane Society.
Montecito continues to dig out of the mud. As people are allowed to go to their homes, we are again happy to see the rabbits and guinea pigs go with them. But, until their homes are ready, BUNS will continue to care for their pets. We are amazed each day at the courage and resilience of these families.
Whenever there are evacuations BUNS is prepared to offer emergency shelter. We do what we can to help families and their pets. We are glad to help.
You can help too, by making a donation to BUNS to help us replenish our supplies and continue to care for rabbits and guinea pigs in need in Santa Barbara.
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