A badly burned dog guarded the only home left standing in the Camp Fire, after her owners evacuated just before the blaze broke out. When a family friend returned to the Paradise neighborhood three days later, she found the border collie, named Ella guarding another person’s home. It was the only home on that block that had not burned to the ground. And that’s where Ella waited.
According to the Visala Times-Delta, Ella’s family, Mike and Leahna Copsey and two daughters, left their dog behind as they filled their vehicle with their belongings. When Ella was discovered alive, Leahna Copsey could hardly believe her dog survived.
The family traveled to the nearby town of Chico to escape the smoke and thought they would be able to return to their home the next day to pick up more of their belongings and Ella. And as they pulled onto the main highway back to their house the next day, the fire had already spread; there was no way anyone could get through to return home for Ella.
Three days later Ella was found; she was protecting the neighbor’s home – the only house on the block left standing. And at that time, Animal Control transported Ella to a veterinary hospital to be treated for severe burns.
Leahna’s 24-year-old daughter, Kayla Westman is caring for Ella, and although the dog’s paws were severely burned, she is reportedly recovering. The family set up a GoFundMe page to pay for Ella’s medical treatment which has already exceeded its goal.
There has been a lot of backlash from social media with people questioning why Ella was left behind when the family first evacuated. Many people have asked that donations be sent to the Butte Humane Society instead – who also assisted the family by providing food for Ella, a crate and toys. In addition, there are many more pets in need of veterinarian care.
To donate to the Butte Humane Society, please click here.
“The BHS Pet Food & Supply Pantry is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you & your pets have been displaced by the Camp Fire, please come to our warehouse to get food & supplies for your furry companion(s)!
With over 6,000 homes destroyed by the Camp Fire, the upcoming weeks and months will be very challenging for those needing to rebuild their lives. Butte Humane Society is accepting animal donations and has opened the BHS Pet Food & Supply Pantry to help displaced pet owners as well as those who have taken in family and friends with pets. Donations can be made at our 2580 Fair Street warehouse (across the street from the dog kennels) every day from 9 am – 5 pm.
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook to read the latest animal related news.
(Photos of badly burned dog Ella via Facebook and Go Fund Me)
Beautiful transformation
Spoiled much?
I AM ADAMMANT That ( INSTEAD OF GO FUND ME)!!! the monies in Honor of “THE SUVIVOR ELLA” that is a TRUE HERO for Protecting and Risking her life for THE SCUM that SIMPLY DROVE off and LEFT HER TO DIE … or FEND FOR HERSELF ALONE and AFRAID … YET their HOUSE REMAINED whereas PEOPLE WHO LEFT BELONGINGS to SAVE THEIR COMPANION FRIENDS FOR the HORROR ELLA WENT THRU LOST EVERYTHING.. GO FIGURE!!! I cant even feature the money from Go Fund ME being Used for ELLA”s Care By these Ruthless!!!
They don’t deserve to own a dog and should be made to pay for all of her medical bills! Heartless asses!
I agree!! The funds should go straight to Ella’s vet care along with all the other animals left behind!! Nothing to the idiots who wanted possessions more than a Beloved family member left to fend for themselves. No animal should go back to scumbags that left them for material things!
While I understand how difficult and frightening this is, I am VERY dismayed at the CASH these despicable people are getting for ABANDONING THEIR DOG, LEAVING IT TO DIE! Do NOT donate to them. SHAME on you Copsey family for LEAVING Ella to DIE! DO donate to the BUTTE HUMANE SOCIETY where they DON’T abandons dogs because it’s more convenient.
Why can’t people be more like animals? Maybe someday …
There was no room for the dog because they had to pack “stuff”. You have got to be kidding me. This family should never be allowed to own an animal of any kind.
Shame on that family! The dog comes before material possessions! That dog deserves WAY better!
I cannot believe people are donating to these jerks, you sjould be ashamed of yourselves for leaving your dog behind. I can only hope someone takes her from you and gives her the home she deserves!
They left their dog? They don’t deserve their dog! PERIOD!