MAHALO MAUI FIRE DEPARTMENT
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Last Sunday, August 30th, staff at Maui Humane Society were alerted to a fast moving fire traveling across Pu''unene that seemed to be heading straight for the shelter. Fueled by strong winds and parched vegetation, the fire spread to an adjacent lot and MPD ordered evacuation. As smoke filled the air and black ash fell, our superstar staff stayed calm and focused, removing every dog, cat, kitten, critter and Freddie from their kennels and veterinary clinic in just 20 minutes. 68 animals in total, plus Freddie who was hiding in his hole!
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Animal Care Attendant Mahie Spenser shot this incredible video of the evacuation, even capturing the dramatic moment when a helicopter dropped water on flames burning next to the shelter as staff raced out of the driveway.
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Staff and volunteers headed to Maui High School in Kahului to unload the animals and get supplies organized. Several animals being treated in our Veterinary Clinic needed to be transferred to nearby clinics, thank you Maui Lani Veterinary Hospital and Central Maui Animal Clinic!
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It was amazing that our last shelter evacuation was just over a year ago, on July 11, 2019. Due to the impact of COVID, we''ve been focused on placing animals into foster homes and at the time of this evacuation had approximately 140 living with foster families. (Thank you foster heroes!)
Maui Fire Department worked hard to fight the flames while we anxiously waited for news of the shelter''s fate.
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Despite the circumstances, staff didn''t skip a beat, taking inventory to confirm all animals were present and sorting out the needs of those in our care. Newborn kittens were bottle fed, regular medicines were dispensed and each animal was monitored continuously.
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Community Support - Maui No Ka Oi
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Setting up a satellite animal shelter outdoors under a tree does come with some challenges! Before we knew it, our caring community members and volunteers began showing up with ice (Mahalo Kihei Ice!), water, generators, people and pet food, drinks, coolers, trash bags, kennels and blankets. The support was overwhelming and we thank you for your generosity & willingness!
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Feline Fosters To The Rescue
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Community Cat Coordinator Emily Drose cares for trapped feral cats between newborn kitten bottle feedings. These cats were waiting for spay/neuter surgery before being released back to their habitat as part of our successful Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program.
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Maui Humane Society Foster Team set up a workstation atop Freddie''s giant crate and buckled down to contact seasoned foster partners. Without knowing if or when we could return to the shelter, they set about arranging temporary homes for every single cat except one! Bron Bron, our larger than life superhero pup, was happy to be picked up by his former foster dad for some peace and quiet. Thank you foster friends, you are our shelter''s lifeline!
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After just 4 hours, CEO Steve MacKinnon received the great news that Firefighters had extinguished the blaze and the animals were safe to return to the shelter. (Yay MFD!) Once again, staff jumped into action to load kennels, crates and supplies back into vans for transport. Driving back to the shelter in dark, there were still many embers glowing along the sides of the highway and adjacent fields.
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The shelter was covered in black ash so before animals returned to the kennels, staff washed everything down and set up new beds. All the animals received snacks and any required medicine and/or veterinary care before going to sleep.
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Veterinary Team Dr. Kim, Director Kelly Maguire & Dr. Fitzpatrick
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It was an unsettling feeling to leave the animals and go home when there was potential for a flare up. Several Humane Enforcement Officers offered to stay overnight and sleep in shifts to patrol the perimeter for signs of fire. Just in case, all the kennels were left stacked and on standby.
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Despite the late night, staff showed up early the next morning ready to do it all over again if needed. Our Veterinary Team managed to spay/neuter 51 animals that Monday in Surgery! We''re so proud of our staff and their commitment to the animals that we all love so dearly.
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Evacuations & Emergencies
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In the event of an emergency or evacuation involving Maui Humane Society, we will keep the community informed via MHS Social Media channels. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @mauihumanesociety for the most up to date information. If an evacuation is happening in your neighborhood, Maui Humane Society and Maui County in conjunction with Red Cross operate pet-friendly emergency shelters throughout the Island. Stay prepared by always having a pet emergency kit ready to go with your Veterinarian''s contact information, any medication, pet microchip number, a printed photo and supplies.
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Whether it be a global pandemic, incoming hurricane or raging wildfire... Maui Humane Society staff and supporters will rise to the occasion and continue to save lives. It''s a community effort and we are so thankful for being able to count on you.
As 2020 heads into the final quarter, we need your financial help more than ever. If your circumstances allow you, please consider making a donation to Maui Humane Society during the month September for our matching gift challenge as all donations will be matched up to $20,000.
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PO Box 1047, Puunene, HI 96784 | (808) 877-3680 | mauihumanesociety.org
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