Swathes of land in Australia have been engulfed in fire since September 2019. The infernos have devastated massive parts of the country, 30 people have been killed, an estimated 1-billion animals have died and 3,000 homes have burned down.
Among all the doom and gloom, however, a hero has emerged. Patsy, a six-year-old kelpie-border collie from Corryong in Victoria, has helped save 900 sheep. Her owner, Stephen Hill’s, entire flock was in danger as a nearby blaze encroached on their farm.
Patsy managed to herd the entire flock to the safest paddock on the farm, while Hill fought off the blaze. Speaking to ATI, Hill said: ‘I’d have been stuffed without Patsy. She’s earned front-seat privileges for the rest of her life.’
Patsy’s owners have made an Instagram account for her. People from around the world have sent in kind messages to her and her family in the wake of the devastation.
Patsy’s account is being used to garner donations for relief efforts and to spread awareness on how people can help the situation.
Cath Hill, Stephen’s brother explained that: ‘These fires are the worst in living memory here, and our fire season is not even half over. Along the East coast of Australia, other fires have been burning for literally months. Many areas have been in severe drought, and 2019 has now been identified as the hottest year on record in Australia.’
Patsy’s account urges those who can donate to any official bushfire relief group, such as BlazeAid and the Australian Red Cross.
Image: Instagram
