The bush fires in Australia burn on and on. The devastation is so widespread that is is difficult to comprehend. More than 20 people have died in the flames. An astounding 15.6 million acres of land have burned. An estimated 480 million animals have perished. Everyone involved is doing all they can to improve the situation and save lives. That is the case with Patsy and her human, who saved their flock of sheep from certain death.
Fire Swept Through Corryong, Victoria, Australia
The rural town of Corryong, located in Victoria, Australia, was slowly being consumed by fire. As it creeped ever closer to their family farm, Patsy and her unnamed human handler worked tirelessly to secure all they could of their livestock and property. On the morning of New Year’s Eve, the pair went out and rounded up their flock of sheep, moving them to the safest paddock on the farm. Shortly thereafter, unfazed and utterly determined to do her part, Patsy posed in the above eerie and frightening photo showing the wall of fire moving towards their farm. Then they went back to the front lines with nothing but a tractor and water pump to fight the encroaching flames.
Farmer’s Sister Comments on the Fire’s Toll on the Area
Patsy’s handler does not engage in social media so his sister, Cath Hill, took it upon herself to share the story of her brother and Patsy’s heroic efforts. She felt that sharing this victory with the world would help bring hope and happiness to others who are fighting the good fight. She started an Instagram about for Patsy and sat for an interview with Metro. She said, “It’s like Armageddon.”
She added, “Everyone is just trying to get water and feed to their animals, shoot the ones that can’t be saved, get temporary fences up to keep stock secure, and put out all the logs and stumps still burning. And there’s people who have nothing left but the clothes on their backs.”
There had been a brief respite in the weather with cooler temperatures that helped slow the spread of the flames but most expect it to get worse before it gets better. She told Metro, “They are expected to get worse around Thursday this week when hot windy weather returns.” See Patsy get praised for her efforts in a Facebook video from Cath Hill, below. Cath is heard saying, “Hey Patsy! You hear those sheep? That’s all your work. Well done, eh? You’re a champion. Good girl.”
https://www.facebook.com/cath.hill.9/videos/2942032472483317/
Our hearts break for all that have been and continue to be impacted by this disaster. If you want to help by donating to wildfire relief funds, Patsy and her people suggest the following organizations: Wildlife Victoria, Blaze Aid, and Red Cross AUS, or you can join iHeartDogs in contributing to the relief efforts through GreaterGood.org below:
https://www.facebook.com/iHeartDogscom/posts/10159678401093079
H/T honeybee.unilad.uk.co
Featured Image Patsy the Corryong Wonder Dog/Instagram
Toledo, United States.
