It was hard not to journal about the bushfires and other than Sam the Koala, this story also caught my heart -
Bellerine the possum, who was found in Healesville with third-degree burns on her feet.
She was given her name, which means "little shoes" in French, after all of her feet were bandaged.
(Photo by Stephen Harman) David Tree is reunited with Sam
(as reported in Herald Sun)
reported byMegan McNaught
February 12, 2009
SAM the world's most famous koala came face to face with her saviour in gold yesterday, Country Fire Authority volunteer David Tree.
Mr Tree was close to tears when he was reunited with his new furry friend at the Mountain Ash Wildlife Shelter in Rawson, where Sam is recovering from third degree burns to her paws.
The pair became accidental faces of the devastating bushfires when Mr Tree gave an exhausted Sam a drink from his water bottle in the middle of burnt-out bush in Mirboo North.
The photograph has been picked up by major news agencies around the world.
"Who knows if she recognised me or not but I would like to think so," Mr Tree said.
"I got a bit choked up because it has been such an emotional week. It was just good to see her doing well."
Sam was having her dressing changed by carer Colleen Wood when Mr Tree arrived.
He said seeing her in pain hit home the damage that the fires were inflicting on helpless animals.
"You could see where the black soles of her paws had been burnt off and they were pink and looked sore," he said.
"She's been through a lot."
He said animal carer Colleen Wood told him the koala may not have survived if he had not given her water at such a crucial time, because she would have been suffering severe dehydration.
"This has been a really tough week for everyone so it is good to have one happy ending," Mr Tree said.
"She was pretty friendly, she gave me a bit of a sniff and we touched noses."
It will be about 5 months before Sam can be released back into the wild.
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Anyone wanting to donate to help animals - here's the RSPCA website
Paige was soooo excited for her first day at highschool - she was up at 6am!! So here we are....back in routine (sigh) 
A blessing - look at the trust, a wild animal - the eye contact, an understanding, hand holding hand - comfort
Need I say anymore??? I love them!!! (big smile) 
And who doesnt just love dining out!! Lots of trim and lace fabric gives a feminine touch while the greys in the papers gives a feel for 'ties and suits'!! 
Love the shabby chic-ness of stella ruby - it has a serene quality 
My little bird bath made from periphery papers......I had NO idea how this was going to turn out....but it did!!! 
Where does the time go? I watch it all day. Trying to divide it up to square things away - another job done.......
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