After Rescuing Her From A Tragic Shelter Fire, A Brave Firefighter Adopts “Miracle” Tabby Cat
When the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando caught fire on Sept. 15, all hope seemed to be gone for the animals trapped inside, particularly the cats kept in the wing where the fire raged the most.
But one cat in particular escaped with very minor injuries, and she was even lucky to be adopted by a firefighter who assisted in her rescue.
After the fire was almost out, one of the Orange County firefighters on the site, Brett Maneri, came to identify and put out possible hotspots within the shelter. When firemen discovered there were still animals living inside, his job quickly turned into a rescue effort.
Maneri tells Daily Paws, “All the cats were frightened; it was like they encountered a ghost.” “It was sad when something like this happened to a location where you would save an animal.”
During that shift, Maneri and the rest of the team discovered three cats, including a pregnant cat that was trapped in the chamber where the ceiling had collapsed. Two of the cats were in serious condition, but despite the stress, one 5-year-old green-eyed tabby was in remarkable good health.
“She was in the worst position conceivable,” Maneri adds, “and she came out with a couple of bruises on her cheeks.” “It was a miracle she was still alive in that situation.”
According to WFTV, 17 cats died in the fire, but 24 were found lucky, and all 26 dogs survived.
Manner decided he wanted to adopt one of the survivors after seeing all the helpless and terrified cats. He grew up surrounded by animals as his mother volunteered for animal rescue in Florida
He already owned two cats and a dog the latter had bought from the Pet Alliance.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The investigator is waiting until daylight to go inside because he says the structure is badly damaged and it’s dangerous. @WFTV pic.twitter.com/3xc9ff4ftk
— Christy Turner (@CTurnerWFTV) September 16, 2021
Mia, the little cat who had escaped almost completely unharmed, was the one who ended up in the Maneri family.
He signed Mia’s adoption documents after completing his firefighting shift, before taking her home with him. He said she was naturally upset that day given what she had gone through, but that after a break, the kitten had returned to its old state. It is a great dessert that he likes to hug, whether with Maner and his girlfriend, his mother other animals.
Maneri has gotten a lot of publicity for bringing Mia home, but he tells Daily Paws that it’s vital to recognize the work of his whole team at Orange Country Fire Rescue.
“I don’t think all of this would have been possible without the crew and everyone else who responded to that effort,” Maneri adds. “Things may have turned out quite differently.”
My heart 😭❤️ Here are some of the dogs and cats rescued from the fire. @WFTV pic.twitter.com/OPccSLcloY
— Christy Turner (@CTurnerWFTV) September 16, 2021
He also invites people to donate to the Pet Alliance in the aftermath of the devastating fire, as it is in desperate need of assistance now more than ever. Donations to the surviving animals and the refuge can be made here.