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Kelly Donithan is a Senior Specialist in Disaster Operations with Humane Society International. She recently returned from Australia where she was stationed on Kangaroo Island after their unprecedented wildfires, rescuing any wildlife survivors that could be found and helping to give them a second chance. We talk about what it was like on the ground there and how, despite all the devastation she regularly sees, she finds ways to keep going.

These are some of the things we talked about:

• (3:36) What’s the situation like on Kangaroo Island (where she was sent)
• (7:34) Who were her on the ground partners
• (8:32) What was her immediate course of action
• (10:17) Describe what it was like to be on the ground there
• (16:08) What did she do with the live animals found
• (19:07) What was the situation like for the Australians that she met
• (22:31) What is the long-term plan
• (27:39) What other kinds of responses does she do
• (34:23) What gives Kelly hope
• (36:25) How can people help wherever they are

 Here are her answers and more as to how you can help:

• Plant trees in Australia for $1 with One Tree Planted.
• Donate to the Humane Society International. Donations to their International Disaster Relief Fund are used to fund relief projects, including providing veterinary care and temporary shelter for animals displaced by natural disasters. They also work to help pet guardians prepare for these events and evacuation, provide assistance to area shelters and assist government agencies in preparing for natural disasters.
• If you are a veterinarian, vet nurse, or vet tech and want to physically help, check out Vets Beyond Borders.
• Make efforts to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Vote for leaders who take climate change seriously.
• Volunteer with HSI’s Animal Rescue Team.
• Although Kelly was focused on wildlife rescue in Australia, it’s important for pet owners to be prepared for disasters. This will ensure that there’s one less animal for rescuers to worry about. HSI has a thorough list. Just click here.

To celebrate what’s good, check out this site that shows a video and photos of fire-damaged forests coming back to life and people helping others. I may or may not have cried while watching it- hahaha.

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Every little bit helps. What action for the world are you going to take today?

Photo Credit: Jo-Anna Robinson/AP Images for HSI                                                          Music Credit: Fearless Motivation Instrumentals: Meaning of Life