A man from Billings, Montana, is making a big difference in California, helping animals and people affected by the recent wildfires. Dave Pauli, who has spent over 35 years working with animal welfare, has dedicated himself to helping those in need after fires destroyed large parts of Southern California. He’s been on the ground for 10 days, working tirelessly to help those who have lost everything, including their homes and pets.
While many people express sympathy for the victims of natural disasters, Dave’s work goes beyond just words. He has seen firsthand the damage these fires have caused, and he’s there to help in any way possible. “You really can’t imagine what it’s like to lose not just your house, but your entire neighborhood,” said Pauli.
Pauli works with Greater Good Charities, an organization that helps animals and people in disasters. For him, every disaster is unique, but the recent fires have been particularly overwhelming due to their size and the number of people and animals affected. “This fire was especially destructive,” Pauli explained. “Multiple fires took out entire communities and buildings.”
Dave’s experience includes decades of helping animals, but this disaster has been different. It’s the sheer scale of the damage that has been so shocking. He has spent his days working nonstop to bring food and supplies to people, as well as rescuing animals who were injured or trapped by the flames. One of the people he helped was a woman and her dog who had been living in her car after the fire forced them out of their home.
The wildfires not only affected people’s homes, but they also had a significant impact on animals. Pauli’s team helped clear local shelters to make room for animals who were injured or displaced by the fires. Many of the animals in shelters weren’t directly affected by the fires, so they were moved out of the area and sent to other shelters around the country, including to Missoula, Montana.
“By clearing out the shelters, we could free up space for animals that really needed help,” Pauli said. But the work doesn’t stop there. The environmental damage from the fires, such as the ash that settles on the ground, will continue to affect wildlife long after the flames are gone. “Animals generally try to escape the fires or hide underground, but the longer-term impact on wildlife will be a challenge,” Pauli explained.
Despite all the hard work and the emotional toll, Pauli is committed to helping as much as he can. He is already planning his return to California to continue assisting those affected by the fires. “When you help people and animals in their worst moments, it really makes a difference,” Pauli said. “The rewards are seeing the lives you’ve helped to rebuild.”
Dave Pauli’s efforts highlight the importance of helping others, even when the challenges seem overwhelming. His dedication to both people and animals in times of disaster shows how one person’s efforts can make a meaningful impact in a world that often feels out of control.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
