Smoke from a fire that started due to an electrical failure at the Last Hope Cat Kingdom, an animal shelter in California, USA, caused extensive damage as firefighters raced to rescue the felines inside.

They were able to save approximately 80 cats; however, approximately 60 sadly perished. Although all the cat rooms had doors leading outside, it is thought that the animals may have been too quickly overcome to escape on their own. Renate Schmitz, founder of the sanctuary that is also home to other animals, is calling for help with blankets, food, and fostering the cats while she plans to rebuild the facility. The shelter is the only no-kill animal sanctuary in Merced County in California's Central Valley.

We are very thankful for the firefighters’ efforts and for the surviving felines. Our prayers for Ms. Schmitz, the staff and volunteers of Last Hope Cat Kingdom as they rebuild their shelter and that they may be blessed with good fortune this year. Supreme Master Ching Hai has lovingly offered a US$10,000 donation toward the no-kill shelter's reconstruction.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40873637/ns/us_news-life/
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/01/dozens-of-cats-dead-in-fire-at-animal-sanctuary-in-central-valley.html
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7874177
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article
/ALeqM5g9v9xP1wbTFROzF74nQP3Rb27qJw?docId=N0420061293942610695A