The recent fires have affected many people. Getting our community back to the way it was, or at least restoring relative normalcy, can seem like an impossible feat. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to not lose loved ones or property have been volunteering in various ways. Seeing the amount that others have lost can make my efforts feel insignificant at times, especially when there’s so much to accomplish. However, I continue to remind myself that even the littlest thing can help. Contributions of any size are what lead to progress. People have already accomplished so much in such a short time span. Keeping this in mind gives me hope, even though there is more work that needs to be done.

One example of a positive relief effort is the support that the Santa Rosa animal shelter is providing for pet owners who have lost their homes or been displaced. They have taken in the pets of owners who have lost their homes in the fire or who are unable to properly care for their pets at the moment. The shelter has moved all of their resident animals to another location for the time being. This way, they can hold and take care of displaced animals. The shelter even has visiting hours for people who are temporarily separated from their pets, allowing the owners to come see and spend time with their furry friends. On a recent Saturday, the parking lot was full of pet owners picking up supplies, such as puppy blankets, and visiting their animals that are temporarily boarded there. The shelter has also provided veterinary care for animals injured in the fires.

Efforts like this require a lot of community support. Though there is so much left to be done, progress will be made if we all continue to help. Our community is strong, and we will persevere.

(Visit the Sonoma County Animal Services website for ways to respond to the needs of pet owners and their animals affected by the fires: http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Health/Animal-Services/.)