california

"This is our first victim of the Silverado Canyon Fires," says the Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital in a post on Facebook. Fortunately, this is one of the lucky animals who got rescued from the fires - an adorable little feisty owl who got his wings singed by the fire. 

He was found by the firefighters of the Orange County Fire Authority. In the beginning, the owl seemed to be entirely unable to move, exhausted, as the firefighters wrap it up in a yellow blanket. In a video released by the Orange County Fire Department twitter account, you can hear one of the firefighters say: "I'll get you some help, buddy." And we are just so, so glad this owl found its way into such good hands. 

The Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital reports on Facebook that the owl's injuries seem to mostly be burnt feathers. At first, they were unsure about the damage from the smoke inhalation, but a few days later, they posted that "[t]he little owl is still feisty as ever!" So, whatever the damage, the little guy is doing much, much better. 

The owl will stay in the hospital "until he molts new feathers," and then, he will be released back into the wild. We wish this cutie a quick recovery, and we are thankful to everyone involved in its rescue and hope that many, many more animals like this one will be rescued from the fires as well. 

Take a look at pictures of the owl below along with the video of its rescue. Another little guy who was rescued from California fires is a little adorable puppy, and you can read about them right here. 

A 3.75 pound mountain lion cub was rescued by firefighters from the California wildfires and is now being treated in the Oakland Zoo. This small cub was discovered in an area the Zogg Wildfire burned through, orphaned and with severe burns. Luckily, the lion was taken into immediate care and is doing much, much better today, eating on its own and acting all fierce and feisty. 

In the midst of the raging California wildfires, it's hard to find many positive news. We've all heard of the damage, and we're all aware of the pain. But even within all the difficulty, some things we can still be grateful for. One of those things is Trooper - a small adorable puppy that was discovered in one of the areas damaged by the fires a few days ago.

Well, this is something you don't see every day…

While twitter user, Zach Roelands, was at the store on Tuesday evening, he saw the goats breaking through the fence and touring local streets, in San Jose, California. The peckish visitors weren't afraid to sample a few lush gardens as they passed through. 

Some happier news to emerge from the blazes in California revolves around an injured great horned owl discovered by CAL FIRE in the ashes of the Maria Fire. Firefighters used a coat and took Ram to a wildlife rehabilitation group, where the bird will recover from its injuries.

Another horse has been declared dead at the Santa Anita track in California, and that's just one day after another horse was pronounced dead. Two horses. Within two days. Adding to a shocking total of 29 since the racing track began its season in December 2018. And despite all this death, Santa Anita management has chosen to continue racing for the rest of the current meet.

This story was also reported on ABC News, Yahoo News, and Review Journal

Finally, those animal rescuers nationwide that are fostering dogs and/or cats for approved charities have an opportunity to be rewarded for their generosity and kindness. Via: The Catington Post

First there were Hello Kitty café trucks, mini cafés and pop-ups, but now we've got the Grand Café at the Irvine Spectrum Center in Southern California. So step inside and say hello. Via: Catster

Madison the Anatolian shepherd is breaking hearts around the world after he was found guarding his family home weeks after it was ravaged by California's Camp wildfire. 

The Anatolian shepherd's owner, Andrea Gaylord, was not able to get to her home in Paradise, Calif., when the fire began to spread Nov. 8, meaning Madison was left behind. When the evacuation order was lifted last week and Gaylord went back to the property — which had been decimated by the fire — her prayers were answered: Madison was there, seemingly protecting what little remained of his family's home. When Madison's owner, Andrea Gaylord, found the dog patiently waiting she told him, "you are the best dog. The best."

In light of the devastating photos coming from the California fires, we though you might like to cheer up a bit with these heartwarming stories about animals who have managed to survive it, mostly with the help of some good people.    

A pig "the size of a mini-horse" was loose in San Bernardino County in California few days ago and an officer sacrificed her snack to get it home. Here is the story of a pig with a case of the munchies. 

Sparks flew in the small town of Eureka, California when a local business owner, Molly Green, took her complaints to City Council, about a vibrant and colorful painting on the utility box outside her business. Samantha Moore, the artist chosen to paint the mural on this specific utility box was left shocked... especially when the painting featured adorable food looking cats!

The So Cal Corgi Beach Day drew over 1,000 Corgi dogs, often referred to as "low riders," to Alamitos Beach in Long Beach on Saturday, July 1, 2017. After last summer's record-breaking attendance at Rosie's Dog Beach, So Cal Corgi Beach Day was moved to a larger venue. This year, close to 1,200 corgis along with their owners, other dogs and fans attended the event, breaking last year's record. The Corgi events included a talent contest, patriotic costume contest In theme with the holiday weekend, limbo competition, 4th of July pie-eating contest and the Corgi bubble spectacular. Here are some fun photos from the event.