Smokey, fire survivor
One overlooked chapter in the Greenpoint warehouse fire story is the one that tells the tale of what happened to the urban wildlife that called the abandoned hulks home. One presumed fire victim appeared in the backyard of Sandra, a longtime BARC supporter. On Noble Street, just a few blocks from the site of the fire, this big brown tiger showed up looking for food. Lucky for “Smokey,” he ended up on friendly territory and was easily caught in a humane trap. A kennel was set up for him in a quiet corner where he immediately enjoyed a fresh lunch. It’s hard to tell just how wild he is, and indeed we may find he’s friendly once he’s used to his new environment. BARC will make sure Smokey gets all the care he needs. Three weeks after the fire, his stripes are almost completely singed off his back and neck. His face and ears have the worst damage, but appear to be healing nicely on their own. Check back tomorrow, Monday, for the veterinarian’s report on Smokey’s condition. If you’d like to sponsor Smokey, go to BARC’s Network for Good page to make a secure donation or call BARC at 718-486-7489 for information.
Gothamist has an excellent post with photos on the Greenpoint fire: HERE, and The Gotham Gazette features the fire in their Waterfront section this month HERE
BREAKING NEWS! Tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM, NYC’s liveliest morning show is visiting BARC’s Cat Loft! Good Day New York will focus on Smokey’s story, but I’m sure we’ll get some other critters on camera as well. Thanks to the Daily News and many purrs and headbumps to Gothamist for picking up Smokey’s tail…I mean tale. Tune in Thursday AM, bright and early!
Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 2:01 am |
[...] Gothamist (again) notes that: the Daily News has a feature on – and photograph of – a tabby cat who survived last month’s Greenpoint warehouse fire. Smokey, a male cat who suffered “burns and lost the tips of his ears and whiskers,” is currently at BARC Shelter in Williamsburg. He was found by a volunteer in her Noble Street backyard in mid-May, and BARC’s vet Dr. Elaine Felton says, “He looked worse than he really was. He looked terrible.” Smokey looks so sweet – we hope he finds a loving owner to take him home. More: You can see how far Smokey has progressed, as BARC’s blog had photos of the kitty on May 22 and May 25 (warning – it’s heartbreaking because he looks bad, but it’s great to see him looking good now). [...]
Friday, June 16, 2006 at 1:28 am |
The is the ugliest looking cat. Poor thing needs plastic surgery.