BlackburnNews.com file photo of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)BlackburnNews.com file photo of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)
Windsor

Humane Society Helps Fort Mac Cat

With nowhere to go after fleeing Fort McMurray, the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society stepped up to temporarily provide a home for Nala the cat.

Being a 1-year-old Bengal with spots like an exotic jungle feline, she was attracting a lot attention in the adoption area.

Executive director of the shelter Melanie Coulter says they don't normally offer boarding services, but this was an unusual circumstance.

"In this situation Nala's people contacted us because they had arrived here after evacuating from Fort McMurray, but unfortunately everywhere they had to stay there were allergies, serious allergies, to cats so they couldn't bring her anywhere," says Coulter.

Once she received the call, she says they were more than happy to help.

"Everyone heard about what happened in Fort McMurray, wanted to help however possible and when they called and asked there wasn't any hesitation, we said of course we would take care of her for you," Coulter says.

The family of three flew back to Fort McMurray Saturday night. Nala has been at the humane society since May 12.

Families have started being allowed back in the fire-ravaged community last week.

Emergency boarding is offered at the humane society free of charge, but it's a rare occurrence . For instance, Coulter says when there's a fire in the city and the homeowner is taken to hospital, the pet may stay at the shelter for a few days.

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