Hurricane Helene was a tragic event that affected countless lives in North Carolina. It was the deadliest hurricane since 2017 and affected the states of Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina.
A Success Story
With the loss of life combined with the destruction of property, we need a success story from this event. Thankfully, there is one, and it all starts with a plucky cat who knew he couldn’t leave his owners in a world without him.
Trying To Get To Safety
In the floodwaters caused by Hurricane Helene, the Burnsville family had to stand helplessly as their cat tried his best to claw his way to safety during the storm.
Clinging For Dear Life
Ricardo, the cat, managed to get onto the roof of a nearby neighbor in his plight to find safety. The family watched as he tried to keep his grip on the roof, but unfortunately, the current was too strong for the cat.
Swept Away
The unthinkable happened, and the family watched their cat lose his grip on the roof and get swept away by the current. He floated downstream and out of view – but that wouldn’t discourage the family.
Not Losing Hope
Others might have lost hope of ever seeing their cat again, as many other pets and livestock have sadly been missing since the hurricane. The Burnsville family couldn’t stick around to help their cat and had to evacuate, but they wouldn’t give up.
Going Back
Once things had settled and it was safe to go back, many families headed back to examine the damage and destruction to their properties. The Burnsville family, however, was more concerned about Ricardo.
Finding Him
Apparently, the family was never worried that they would find Ricardo. They had the utmost faith that he wouldn’t have let the floodwaters be his demise. Thankfully, they turned out to be right, as when they returned home, they found him.
Alive And Well
Once the family got back into their home, which had withstood the hurricane for the most part, they found their favorite cat taking shelter inside. He seemed unhurt, if not a little startled by the events and his family’s sudden disappearance.
His Usual Self
Thankfully, a mobile vet had set up nearby to aid in the treatment of any pets affected by the natural disaster. Ricardo was taken there, where they only found an ear and eye infection, as well as a few stowaway ticks that probably also wanted to get away from the flood.
A Wonderful Cat
With the family reunited with their cat, they were happier than ever. His main owner, Nan Collins explained that his full name is Ricardo Blanco and it’s because of his movie star like demeanor.
Many Other Stories
Ricardo wasn’t the only cat with a story to tell after Hurricane Helene, Director of Regional Programs for the Best Friends Animal Society, Audrey Lodato, said, “There are so many stories just like that of Ricardo Blanco and his family throughout western North Carolina.”
Veterinary Care In A Difficult Time
Lodato went on to say, “By opening a free mobile clinic, Best Friends Animal Society is working to fill a gap for services, providing basic veterinary care to the Western North Carolina community at no cost so that people and their pets can stay together during this difficult time.”
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