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In a gripping turn of events, Marc Heethuis-Dubois, a dedicated volunteer at Boomer’s Haven Animal Rescue & Sanctuary in Irricana, Alberta, found himself in a life-threatening situation while on a mission to save two stray cats. After picking them up in Lethbridge, Heethuis-Dubois noticed his vehicle was losing power, prompting a sense of urgency as he realized he was in a remote area.
Unexpected danger on the road
As he pulled into a rest stop, the situation escalated quickly. “I noticed it was smoking,” he recounted. Upon inspecting the engine, he was met with a terrifying sight: an orange glow emanating from under the hood.
In a matter of moments, his vehicle was engulfed in flames. Heethuis-Dubois’s instinct kicked in, and he made frantic attempts to rescue the cats from the cargo area. “As I ran with the blanket, I heard this ‘whoosh’ noise,” he described, recalling the moment he turned to see the fire spreading rapidly.
Community support in the aftermath
Fortunately, he managed to save the cats just in time, but the vehicle was a total loss by the time fire crews arrived. “There’s maybe one tire that remains,” he noted, reflecting on the destruction.
While Heethuis-Dubois is grateful to be unharmed, the incident has left Boomer’s Haven without their primary mode of transportation, significantly impacting their operations.
Challenges faced by animal rescue organizations
The rescue organization now relies on a loaned vehicle that barely accommodates two people, let alone the animals they are dedicated to helping.
“To transport animals to medical appointments, to adoption events, to pick up donations, to run out at a moment’s notice to help people in the community,” Heethuis-Dubois explained, emphasizing the challenges they now face. Despite these setbacks, the community has rallied around the rescue, with donations pouring in to help them secure a new vehicle.
“Even that night, we were still receiving calls and messages that we weren’t in a state to respond to,” he said, highlighting the urgency of their mission. As they work to regain their footing, the resilience of the animal rescue community shines through, proving that even in the face of adversity, compassion and support can make a significant difference.
