by THE DALLES, Ore. – In a heartwarming story emerging from the devastation of the Rowena Fire this past June, a weeks-old kitten severely burned in the blaze has made a full recovery and found a new loving family. The kitten, named Rudolph, or Rudy for short, was rescued by crew as a barely breathing stray outside an abandoned home affected by the fire near The Dalles.
Despite the odds, Rudy’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, thanks to the dedicated care of Megan Schimes, a veterinary assistant who adopted him and managed his treatment through weeks of careful medical attention and nurturing.
A Miraculous Rescue Amidst Tragedy
The Rowena Fire forced many residents to evacuate, leaving behind homes, belongings, and in some cases, beloved pets. During this chaos, the crew found Rudy in critical condition:
- Just a few weeks old and stranded outside an abandoned home
- Fur charred and nose badly burned
- Weak and barely breathing when discovered
Veterinarians were initially concerned that infection in Rudy’s paws might necessitate amputation. Thankfully, with persistent care, this was avoided.
Dedicated Care Leads to Remarkable Healing
Adopted by Megan Schimes, Rudy’s treatment involved daily routines of removing bandages, applying medication, and carefully rewrapping his wounds on his paws, tail, ears, and face. Some injuries, such as a toe on his back that fused due to the burns, required special attention.
“Within a week, it was like a miraculous recovery,” said Megan Schimes. “And within two weeks, it was like nothing had ever happened to him.”
Her child, Gwen Tapia, observed the transformation first-hand: “When I first saw him, my mom sent me a video, I was really sad how bad he looked. But to see him healthy now is just amazing.”
Rudy’s New Life: Thriving and Full of Energy
Now fully healed, Rudy is thriving in his new home with his forever family. Schimes shares that he is full of life:
- Energetic and playful, engaging in parkour off the furniture
- Exploring his environment with curiosity and joy
- Enjoying bonding moments with his new family
Rudy’s journey from a burned stray to a beloved pet illustrates the resilience of animals and the impact of compassionate care. This story offers hope and inspiration to those affected by natural disasters and animal welfare advocates alike.
Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about Rudy’s miraculous recovery? Have you ever adopted a pet in need of special care? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
