Left Behind, Not Forgotten: Akron Cats Find Safety After Emergency Evacuation
An old apartment building in Akron was condemned by the city as it was unsafe for habitation. The tenants had to vacate the building rather abruptly for safety reasons, which led to three cats being stranded inside the building for several days. Two of the cats were claimed by two tenants. Neither tenant had a permanent residence anymore. The third cat's person was unable to take him to their new residence. During these several days, none of the cats' people could re-enter the building to feed or give water to the cats. Finally, the cats' people were able to go in and get the cats, but the people still did not have homes. Channel 19 News out of Cleveland were the ones who stepped up and tried to find somewhere for these cats to go. They tried to reach several rescues without success. Finally, Crystal Riggi and Riggi Rescue were able to come pick up the three cats and to care for them. One of the cats, Clyde, was able to be reunited with his mom after she found suitable living conditions. A second one, Ember, was transferred to another rescue, Forever Friends Foundation, from where he was just adopted on 4/4. The third, Leo, is still with Riggi Rescue being rehabbed and awaiting some much needed dental work. Once he is where he needs to be healthwise, Leo will also be available for adoption.
In February 2025, the Parkside Apartments on South Main Street in Akron, Ohio were abruptly evacuated after city officials deemed the building structurally unsafe. A partial collapse of the building’s façade and a malfunctioning fire panel triggered an immediate evacuation order, forcing residents to leave within minutes—many without the ability to take all of their personal belongings or even their pets.
Among those impacted was Raina Ward, who had to leave behind her beloved cat, Clyde. “I suffer from seizures,” Ward shared with WOIO Channel 19. “My boy was left here. They bring me a sense of comfort.” For days, she and others agonized over the fate of their pets, unable to re-enter the building due to safety concerns.
Akron firefighters attempted multiple times to find homes for the cats, but with no success. That’s when 19 News sent out a public plea for help—and it was answered. Crystal Riggi, founder of Riggi Rescue, stepped in without hesitation to take in the three stranded cats.
Thanks to Riggi Rescue’s quick response and compassionate care:
Clyde was eventually reunited with his mom, Raina, once she secured safe housing.
Ember was transferred to Forever Friends Foundation, where he found his forever home on April 4.
Leo remains under the loving care of Riggi Rescue, undergoing rehabilitation and preparing for dental treatment before he becomes available for adoption.
These rescue stories highlight not only the importance of community partnerships during a crisis but also the deep emotional bonds between people and their pets. Riggi Rescue went above and beyond to ensure that these cats weren’t forgotten—and in doing so, brought hope to their humans as well.
Source 19 News
