Sanctuary Founder Dies Trying to Save Cats From Fire

Tragedy struck an animal rescue organization in Long Island, New York this week, as a fire tore through a private residence that housed the Happy Cat Sanctuary in Suffolk County. The blaze killed Christopher Arsenault, who founded the sanctuary. Dozens of cats also died. A volunteer with the group told WCBS how Arsenault tried to save as many felines as he could in the incident, noting, "He kept going into the house to get cats out, then he didn't come out."

[brookagainstthemachine]

That one cat hugging his neck.... You can tell they absolutely loved that man. This is upsetting

[saraswinerton]

So many people mistreat animals and get away with it he tried to save them and died. Completely cruel and unfair world we are living in.

[CranberryFo]

He passed trying to save the animals he was passionate about. That's a noble way to go out. They said his son passed in a motorcycle accident right? Hopefully his spirit and that of his son are together again.

[Meow-gvcq]

He died an absolute hero! 😢 what a kind caring and selfless person, I feel so bad for the incredible loss of those cats and his life.

[HowToChangeName]

Rest in peace sir, you served the world well. May the felines found their forever home.

[chelseaxjaye]

all of us on earth are left a little worse off after losing such an angel 😔 may they all rest in peace

[theflash]

RIP Christopher Arsenault, he dedicated his life to cats and gave his life to save cats. Hero.

[JanLilyJing]

I am crying! What a brave man to try to save cats in the fire. That's someone who truly cares about others more than himself. My condolences to his loved ones.

[OhmyHaze]

What an incredible human being. May he finally rest with his son and the cats that passed be their guardians.

[midwestmafia]

Your mission is complete. God has another soldier of love and mercy. We will continue what you started. Continue all over the world. Rest in Peace brother. I’m in Illinois and will keep your mission alive.

[abrahamhenriquez]

There's a special place in heaven in
for this man...😇.

[joanhill]

What a brave man...He died to save his enormous fur family.
May he rest in peace.
😔

[Bt-YXLO]

That is very sad😢😢😢 May he rest in peace

[countessk]

So sad. People like this who devote their lives to helping creatures who can't return the favor are angels on earth. Rest in Honor, Christopher and the poor kitties who went with him.

[minimizeoptimize]

This needs a priority investigation. If indeed he was harassed or threatened on FB, this is murder and felony animal abuse.

[u_u]

This is absolutely heartbreaking. Hope this kind man and his cats can rest in peace with his son.

[christianmanka]

Chris is a hero and will be remembered as one. I know wherever his soul is, the little kitties souls will never leave his side. RIP Chris and to all the kitties.

[hollykellon]

This is so sad. Someone who constantly thought of someone or something else other then himself to try to better the lives of those around him. I hope he has found peace in Heaven with his son and cats. We need more people like him in the world, not less. I pray for the future of your foundatiom and for he and his family.

[nestorrodriguez]

May the universe bless all of their souls😢 very sad story but I believe they're in a better place now🙏

[ALX]

I would risk my life to save my cats 100%. They deserve to be treated as equally as i do💙