29/02/2024
29/02/2024
LOS ANGELES, Feb 29, (Agencies): Hilary Swank fondly reminisces about a cat that will forever occupy a special place in her heart. In a recent episode of the SiriusXM podcast Literally! with Rob Lowe, the 49-year-old actress shares her poignant memories of volunteering with the ASPCA in the aftermath of 9/11.
During the conversation about her passion for animals, Swank recounts her experiences rescuing pets stranded after the tragedy, unable to be reached by their owners. In an exclusive podcast clip, she describes the scene at the piers on West Street, where distressed individuals would provide details about their beloved animals, from dogs and rabbits to goldfish.
Swank had been actively involved with the ASPCA even before the 9/11 incident, making her no stranger to working with animals. However, the post-9/11 scenario presented numerous dangers and challenges. Facing potential building collapses, fire hazards, and the absence of functioning elevators or technology, Swank and her team pressed on.
In the podcast, she recounts the extraordinary efforts made to reach animals on higher floors, climbing up to meet the needs of pet owners. The rescued animals included a diverse range, from cats and dogs to turtles, fish, and even a couple of hamsters.
The actress describes the traumatic conditions these animals endured, living in damaged apartment buildings with missing windows. Recalling a particularly harrowing experience with a terrified cat, Swank narrates the chaos and danger the cat faced, missing its person and dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Swank's determination prevailed. She recounts the inventive method they used to bring the distressed cat to safety – placing it in a pillowcase, ensuring it could still breathe. The ultimate reward, she emphasizes, was reuniting these animals with their owners, bringing immense joy to both the pets and their families.
The Ordinary Angels star acknowledges the stress endured by both herself and the animals but emphasizes that the gratification of reuniting furry friends with their families made every effort worthwhile.