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Pelé was rescued after wildfires swept through Northern California. ©The HSUS |
When rescuers pulled Pelé from a charred tree after
fires ravaged Oroville, Calif. his future looked pretty bleak. But with the help of staff at the HSUS-operated emergency shelter and Kerry Azevado, director of the veterinary assistant program at San Joaquin Valley College, Pelé’s fortunes are looking up.
Azevado was volunteering at the emergency shelter when she first saw Pelé—named after the Hawaiian goddess of fire— and knew she had to help the cat on his road to recovery. The black-and-white cat suffered severe burns to his ears, nose, face and paws, but maintained his friendly nature.
"I Knew right away that this cat was special," said Azevado. "He had already been through so much, but he was still a very sweet, affectionate cat."
With the blessing of the shelter staff, Azevado took Pelé on as a special project for the veterinary technician class she teaches at San Joaquin Valley College. At the College, he will receive the time-consuming, delicate medical attention that he needs, and the students have an opportunity to provide hands-on care that will help them deal with future animal burn victims. By taking over Pelé's care, Azevado also freed up shelter workers to help other rescued animals. It really is a win-win situation.
Pelé may lose his ears due to the severe burn damage, but should be able to live out a happy, healthy life. Students in Azevado's class will be creating a journal of his progress over the next few months.
