Disaster Services Hero Award
When the Woolsey Fires forced them to abandon their Agoura Hills veterinary practice, Dr. Ravenscroft and Geekie provided free medical care to more than 200 animals at the Pierce College evacuation shelter.
The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region honored community heroes who have demonstrated extraordinary acts of courage and humanitarian service at its 15th Annual Hometown Heroes Luncheon on Thursday, May 9th at the Carson Civic Center. Many of this year’s honorees are concerned citizens who fought to keep our communities safe during the horrific Woolsey Fires.
As volunteer nurses provided medical care to the Woolsey Fire evacuees, a growing number of animal companions also were arriving in need of attention.
In walked Darlene Geekie and Dr Maritxu Ravenscroft.
Immediately they got to work, carrying in supplies from their cars and setting up a small veterinary hospital to tend to all evacuees with tails, scales, paws and claws - at no cost.
Ms Geekie, Dr Ravenscroft and their team of volunteers worked around the clock to treat 206 animals with emergency surgeries, treatment of burns and injuries, medication and stabilization on-site.
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