A Temecula family that rescued a kitten from the Cajon Pass just weeks ago is seeking community support after a fire ravaged their home, and their new furry addition, Bugs, fell ill.
“We’re struggling to cope,” said Ryann McCaffrey, the mother who, with a car full of kids, pulled over on a busy mountain interstate to pull Bugs from the freeway median last month. “I’m overwhelmed with emotions — numb, scared, hopeful, traumatized, thankful, and heartbroken all at once.”
The blaze broke out on Aug. 20, when the family and their 12 pets — yes, 12 — were home.
Around 3:30 p.m. that Wednesday, Ryann said she smelled smoke and checked the news for nearby fires, but didn’t see any. Figuring it was nothing to be alarmed about, Ryann went on with her chores while her husband, Matt McCaffrey, pre