Hurricane Helene left devastation in its wake—but for one North Carolina family, the storm also delivered an unexpected gift. After watching their cat, Ricardo Blanco, vanish into floodwaters, the Collinses had resigned themselves to loss. Then, against all odds, he came back.
Found eight days later near their home, Blanco was dirty and battle-worn but alive. Veterinarians from Best Friends Animal Society tended to his infections, but his fighting spirit needed no treatment. “He’s like a little puppy dog,” said owner Nan Collins, marveling at his resilience.
In a season of destruction, Blanco’s story is a pawprint of hope—proof that even when the world feels like it’s washing away, some bonds can’t be broken.
