I know, I know. I AM SO SORRY.

The Chaos of January

The start of the year should be a time of renewal and celebration, but for us, it’s been anything but. What began as a simple break turned into a whirlwind of stress, heartbreak, and uncertainty. From being evacuated due to a raging fire just miles away to the sudden loss of a beloved pet, we’ve experienced one challenge after another. It’s been an overwhelming start to 2025, and I want to share the emotional and physical toll it’s taken on us—and how we’ve managed to hold on through it all.

Evacuation: A Nightmare Come to Life

Just when I decided to take a break and step back from posting, fate had different plans. A fire broke out at Luke Hughes, less than 5 miles away, and we were immediately placed under an evacuation order. The urgency was palpable, the air thick with smoke, and everything around us seemed to be spiraling out of control. It was an experience I never could have prepared for and hoped to never have to prepare for.

We had to act quickly, ensuring the safety of our animals. With adrenaline coursing through our veins, we scrambled to get our 9 chickens, 3 ducks, and turkey to safety. Our friend Jocelyn was an absolute lifesaver, picking them up and bringing them to her home after the threat had passed.

The Rooster’s Last Stand

It wasn’t without challenges, though. The rooster, the most stubborn and aggressive of our birds, nearly cost us the entire evacuation plan. He kept attacking my mom and me while we were trying to load everyone into the pet crates. There was a point where we seriously considered leaving him behind as a crispy chicken. But after some strategizing, I managed to isolate him, and we put a box over him, ensuring his safety too. The emotional rollercoaster of almost leaving an animal behind, even one that was a challenge, was indescribable.

Horses and Heartbreak

The evacuation of our horses was no less dramatic. Four out of six were loaded into a horse trailer, but two—Darryl and Joe—had never left the property in their lives. They were born here, and the thought of them being transported for the first time was both terrifying and heartwarming. They made it through, thanks to the help of Cindy, who took them all the way to Agua Dulce and thank you to Shelby for helping make the arrangements!

However, the other two horses refused to move. My mom and I stayed behind with the cats and the two horses who wouldn’t walk to the trailer. We stayed in place, preparing to release the horses into the riverbed if we had no other option, but thankfully the evacuation orders were lifted, and the four horses were able to return home two days later. We reunited with our horses and resumed our lives after the chaos subsided.

The Dogs: Lucy and the Saugus Escape

As the smoke thickened, our dogs—including our foster dog Lucy—had to be evacuated to Saugus, where my mom’s friend and coworker offered a safe haven for them. It was a relief to know they were safe, but the emotional strain of managing so many lives during this chaotic time was unrelenting.

Losing Maverick: A Heart-Wrenching Goodbye

In the midst of this whirlwind, we suffered a deep loss. Maverick, one of our 10 kitties, passed away from a stroke during the evacuation. Maverick was born here in November 2012, and he was a constant in our lives. He was a stunning Russian Blue, the best hunter kitty we had, and the only cat who could venture outside without fear of harm, always returning home each night. His loss has left a quiet, empty space in our hearts and our home.

Reflection: Lessons Learned and Gratefulness Amidst the Chaos

We have learned that even in the face of danger and loss, we can rely on each other for support. The kindness of friends like Jocelyn, Cindy, and Shelby helped us through one of the most stressful moments of our lives.

While the challenges are far from over, the outpouring of support has been a reminder that we’re not alone in this. If you’d like to help or simply stay connected, I appreciate any messages of encouragement. It’s a tough time, but we’re getting through it with the love and strength of our community.

Through all the chaos, there have been moments of reflection. This experience has shown us the importance of preparation, resilience, and most of all, the strength of community. The kindness of people like Jocelyn, Cindy, and Shelby, who helped us when we were at our lowest, reminded us that we’re not alone, no matter how isolating things may seem.

I’ve learned that even in the darkest moments, we find light in unexpected places—through our animals, the support of friends, and the strength within ourselves.

How You Can Help and Stay Connected

If you want to help us through this tough time, sending messages of encouragement means the world. Your words of support keep us going. If you’d like to stay updated on our journey, feel free to follow us here. I’ll be posting updates soon, including a Valentine’s Day update, and I appreciate all the love and support!

Looking Ahead: A Valentine’s Day Update

Though I’m still recovering from a cold and trying to regain some balance, I promise I’ll have a Valentine’s Day update coming soon! Thank you all for your patience and support during this challenging time.

Love, Sammy XOXO