Photo: Courtesy Incredible-Bull Rescue
The search for Simba is still on.
According to theChicago Tribune, kennel operator Garrett Mercado left his apartment, which is on the second floor of the kennel building, briefly on the morning of the Jan. 14 and when he returned there was a sizable fire in the apartment’s kitchen.
The fire was reported at 5:30 a.m. and firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after the call was made. Mercado, who was training many of the dogs at the kennel so they could find forever homes, tried to save as many of the canines as he could before authorities arrived.
“I was just opening as many doors as I could, hoping they would follow me out,” Mercado told theTribune.
Despite Mercado’s efforts, and those of the fire department, at least 30 dogs died in the blaze, Tanner J. Smith, the founder and director of Incredi-Bull Rescue, told PEOPLE, adding that the cause of the fire remains unknown.
Simba went missing during the fire along with several other dogs, but he is the only canine that hasn’t been found.
“We are praying that Simba is still out there … alive,” Smith shared.
The rescue founder has been able to hold out hope thanks in part to the supportive animal rescue community in the Chicago area.
“The fire brought forth many, many organizations and emergency response organizations. All joining together to help as much as everyone could. Their has also been search and rescue groups pulling together to help locate Simba,” he added.
Additionally, there have been several Simba sightings over the weeks the dog has been missing, including some sightings that “completely matched” Simba’s description.
“At this time we just want people to be on alert, and keeping an eye open for him. Dogs are very resilient, and he could have traveled quite a distance seeking shelter. Especially as he was probably in shock, and the will to survive ‘fight or flight’ has surely kicked in,” Smith said on how others can help bring the dog home.
“Our next steps consist of keeping the word out revolving Simba, and trying our best to remain hopeful … as tough as this may be. Its very easy for us to assume the worse, especially at this point. Though Simba deserves for us to continue to search for him,” Smith said.
Courtesy Incredible-Bull Rescue
If you believe you have recently seen Simba, please call 779-875-6309. Do not attempt to chase the dog as this may cause them to run in fear and into danger.
source: people.com
