Heroic Veterinarian Shelters Dozens Of Animals As Owners Flee From Palisades Fire!
Dr. Annie Harvilicz is a veterinarian and owner of two animal hospitals in Los Angeles. Her compassion and quick thinking turned her facilities into shelters for displaced pets when the Palisades Fire struck Southern California. She has so far rescued and sheltered over 41 pets. The wildfire forced thousands of people to evacuate, leaving their homes—and in many cases, their pets—behind.
The crisis began with a personal moment for Dr. Harvilicz. Her older brother, David, called her as he fled the fire with his family. He asked if she could take in his daughter’s bunny, Oreo, and his cat, Winston. Her small act of kindness started a tremendous rescue effort. If there is anyone who needs to leave and doesn’t have a place for their pets please have, you can email Dr. Annie at the email address, [email protected].
Creating a Haven for Displaced Pets
Veterinary Hospitals Turned Shelters
Dr. Harvilicz realized there would be more people like her brother who needed help. She quickly opened her two veterinary hospitals—one in Marina Del Rey and another in Harbor City—as shelters. She even utilized an old building she still leased after recently relocating her Marina Del Rey hospital to a larger facility across the street.
Diverse Animal Guests
Her efforts welcomed a variety of animals, from common household pets like dogs, cats, and rabbits to farm animals from a petting zoo that had been destroyed. The roster included:
- Dogs and Cats: Over 40 of these furry friends, including Pumpkin the cat and Daisy the Pitbull.
- Farm Animals: 5 goats, 2 sheep, 12 ducks, 24 chickens, 4 guinea pigs, 12 rabbits, 2 turkeys, and a cockatiel.
The scale of her operation expanded rapidly as the fire continued to displace families and their pets.
Coordinated Care Efforts
Dr. Harvilicz and her team worked tirelessly to provide food, space, and medical care, especially for injured animals. Many pets had burns and lacerations that needed immediate attention. Volunteers from the Los Angeles community stepped in to support her staff by feeding and caring for the animals. Some pet owners, unable to bring their pets to hotels, also helped with the workload.
“The animals are such innocent, amazing beings,” Dr. Harvilicz said. “There are a lot of people who feel the same way I do and who want to make sure that all these animals are safe.”
Behind the Scenes: Exhaustion and Determination
Around-the-Clock Work
Dr. Harvilicz barely got an hour of sleep the first night, working around the clock to care for the animals. She even took in four pets to her own home near Los Angeles Airport.
“I haven’t slept at all, and my eyes are hurting from the smoke,” she shared, describing the challenges of working under the apocalyptic skies filled with ash.
The Emotional Toll
While she could provide shelter for many pets, the inability to rescue larger animals, like nine donkeys released because their owner lacked trailers, weighed heavily on her. “The real animal tragedy is the large animals,” she said, reflecting on the heartbreaking reality of the situation.
Motivation to Continue
Despite the exhaustion, Dr. Harvilicz found strength in her love for animals. “The animals are what keep me motivated to help as many owners as I can,” she said, highlighting the deep connection she feels with these innocent beings.
A Beacon of Hope
Inspiring Others
Dr. Harvilicz’s actions inspired an outpouring of support. Hundreds of volunteers reached out to offer help after she posted about the situation on Facebook. Her message became a catalyst for community action.
Raising Awareness
She also encouraged pet owners to seek help, even if they thought they couldn’t afford it. “If you have a pet that needs help, please reach out to a vet, even if you think you can’t afford care,” she said. “There are vets like myself who are willing to help.”
Community Outreach on Social Media
Her Facebook post not only brought in volunteers but also raised awareness about the challenges pets face during natural disasters. It served as a reminder of how communities can come together to protect vulnerable beings, both human and animal.
Conclusion
Dr. Annie Harvilicz’s heroic efforts during the Palisades Fire turned a personal call for help into a life-saving mission for dozens of animals. Her tireless dedication, along with the support of volunteers and pet owners, created a haven for displaced pets during a devastating time.
Her story is a testament to the power of compassion and community in the face of crisis. As Dr. Harvilicz said, “To me, this is a no-brainer. I looked around and said, ‘I have a lot of space here. I can help.’”Let her story remind us to support local veterinarians, shelters, and nonprofits during natural disasters. Together, we can ensure the safety of all living beings, great and small, in times of need.
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