Cat rescue owner makes repeat trips into burning building to save nearly 20 cats

Nearly 20 cats owe another one of their nine lives to Oasis for Animals owner Jean Favini following a fire at the organization’s facility on Saturday.

via Jean Favini of Oasis for Animals

The cat rescue organization owner defied the warnings of a 911 official and charged into a smoke-filled office with a towel around her face to save her meowing dependents. 

She made several trips into the building, returning each time with armloads of cats.  

“All I cared about was the cats, so I said there was no way I wasn’t going to get them from the office,” Favini said. “I had to make a decision, and I’m so thankful I did. I’m just sad I didn’t go in sooner.”

via Jean Favini of Oasis for Animals

She and a South Whidbey firefighter brought out all 24 cats in the building. Sadly, five did not survive and passed from smoke inhalation. 

Oasis for Animals is a no-kill rescue organization that spays and neuters feral cats before putting them up for adoption.

The fire began at about 4:30 p.m. in the building next to her home. The blaze is believed to have been an electrical fire that started from a stove or microwave; neither were in use at the time. Flames were small and didn’t burn the entire office, instead claiming the appliances, damaging countertops and part of the wall.

via Jean Favini of Oasis for Animals

Favini’s smoke detector failed to activate when the cat-filled room filled with smoke. She only realized there was a problem when she heard their meows for help.

Once Favini and firefighters grabbed all the cats by the scruff of their necks, she and firefighters attempted to resuscitate them.

“I thought we were going to lose them all,” Favini said. “My face, hands and hair were black, so I had to go to the hospital later to get tested for smoke inhalation.”

But thanks to Favini's quick thinking and bravery, all 24 cats were pulled out, and 19 of them had survived.

Following the fire, Favini has been providing health care for the cats with the help of Robben Jones, the former owner of South Whidbey Animal Clinic.

“I used to be Jean’s vet years ago,” Jones said. “We set up an assembly line and got through treating them all eventually. I don’t do emergencies, but they were animals in need of help and that’s what I’m trained to do.”

Despite the traumatic experience, Favini is in good spirits. With many of the cats’ health improving, she is finding the time to smile in the midst of the aftermath.

“It’s just great to see them bounce around in their cages again,” Favini said. “To see them playing again and closing their mouths when they breath makes me smile. I think I needed that.”

via Jean Favini of Oasis for Animals

Favini is using the incident to raise awareness about the importance of regularly updating fire detection devices. You never know when your loved ones, your family, can have their lives threatened due to faulty equipment. 

To help pay for the medical expenses, she is taking donations via the Oasis for Animals website.

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via SouthWhidbeyRecord.com