Animal Assistance – Helping Our Animal Friends
by Jim Evans

The fire has taken a
terrible toll on wildlife and domestic animals, but many local
residents and various professional organizations have stepped forward to provide
care and accommodations for household pets and livestock.

SEAACA, SPCALA and other animal protection organizations have arrived from all over the country to provide assistance for displaced animals. Golden Eagle Farm, has made its pastures available to horses of local
residents threatened by the fires. "We have moved all of our horses to the center pastures, and we have plenty of room to help our neighbors," said Walther Solis, director of horse operations at Golden Eagle.

And, in Ramona, Ellen and Carsten Gehrke have been
among the leaders in the local community helping to pick up horses displaced by the fire and transport them to the temporary security of their ranch on the east side of town.

Above, a horse is being evacuated during the fire. Left, horses await possible evacuation in Ramona. Photos by Forrest Letzring.