As the Carlton Complex and Twisp River fires incinerated 163,000 acres of Washington state land this summer – including untold numbers of pets and livestock – firefighter Matt Zbyszewski did what he could to help any way he could. One lucky creature who got a helping hand from him was an approximately 8-week-old kitten that had become lost in the chaos. Named Luther after one of Zbyszewski’s fellow firefighters, little Luther wouldn’t have made it without his human buddy; luckily for both, they were reunited shortly before Christmas.
The cat, who Coleman has named Butte, followed him around as he sifted through the rubble and seemed grateful for any scrap of food or kind word that was given to her. When a stranger offered the bedraggled feline some water from a jug, she drank so greedily that it made everyone smile. According to Coleman’s Instagram post about his new furry friend: “She’s been sticking close by my side ever since.”
The firefighter captioned the photo, “This little guy was waiting for me when I got to the scene of the fire. He’s safe now!” and we couldn’t be happier for him. You can bet this kitty will have a warm place to sleep tonight!
Cats are known for being loyal animals, and this story is a great example of that. When Ryan was in danger, his cat knew to run up to him and keep him safe. This shows that cats really do appreciate their human companions and will do whatever they can to stay close to them.
Coleman’s post quickly went viral, racking up over 2 million likes and shares in just a few days. People all around the world were touched by the story of this brave cat who had found his guardian angel in Ryan Coleman, and hundreds of commenters shared stories about their own heroic pets.
As the fires raged around him and threatened to consume everything in their path, Ryan was there doing his job and trying to help as many people as possible. But it’s not just his heroism that has won our hearts – it’s also this adorable new friendship he has found with a brave cat who refused to be scared away by all the chaos!
The firefighter even took a break to eat some lunch, and the cat didn’t budge from her comfortable spot. She just watched him as he ate, exhibiting total contentment with being close to someone who had helped her in a time of need.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate these firefighters and all of their hard work.
