Eighteen pets that were rescued from a fire that ravaged an apartment complex in Georgetown, Mass., last week have been safely reunited with their owners.
Firefighters, the Red Cross, Georgetown police, animal control officers and response teams from other nearby towns were all on-hand Jan. 3 to manage an extensive rescue and evacuation operation at the fire site.
Muddy Creek Animal Care Center workers were also on the scene to help coordinate the veterinary emergency efforts and eventually took in the various cold, wet, soot-covered cats, dogs and one rabbit.
The most seriously injured animal was a cat named Smudge, that was in critical condition from severe hypothermia and smoke inhalation, according to the animal care center. After being stabilized at Muddy Creek, he was rushed to Essex County Veterinary Emergency Hospital for further treatment. Smudge also was returned to his owners safely and in good health.