"He kept taking cats out until he went back in... and he didn’t come out."
"We lost the best man on the face of the planet."
"We’re just going to need everybody’s support now to continue his dream.”
The fire that claimed the lives of 200 cats and their beloved caretaker first broke out on March 31st at about 7:30 a.m. on Dourland Road in Medford.
By that afternoon, Strong Island Animal Rescue colleagues of Happy Cat Sanctuary's Christopher Arsenault—who devoted two decades to sheltering stray felines–fought back tears as they confirmed his loss.
Arsenault, 65, who repeatedly ran back into the fray until he could no longer, saved about 100 cats from succumbing to the fiery flames.
A GoFundMe started in his honor has raised $785,505 as of Sunday night; with a new goal set of $790,000—in just four days; a testament to Arsenault's influence on the community.
Brookhaven Town Fire marshals and local law enforcement have no evidence of suspicion.
The cause of the blaze is officially indeterminate, per Brookhaven Chief Fire Marshal Christopher Mehrman. He says neighbors did not cite any outward indication of an explosion.
Some theories in circulation are still being checked out. "We can’t rule out the use of propane space heaters in the house," said Mehrman.
Two-hundred cats were still on the premises as rescue efforts continued on Friday. 30 were recovered since Monday, and were subsequently treated for burn wounds and other ailments.
Medically cleared cats will be available for adoption in the weeks to come.
Visitation services for Arsenault will take place on Wednesday, April 9, at Fairchild Sons Funeral Chapel in Manhasset. A memorial service for a later date is in the works.
“We knew Chris and are saddened by his passing. He will be missed by so many people," Paws Unite People wrote on Facebook.
‘There really are no words for this kind of tragedy. Just… please keep praying. And when you’re done—pray again.”