The Waterbury Times|Published July 12, 2026

Update July 18, 2026 9:23am

Update courtesy Woof Pack CT FB Page-

Waterbury-The search for Shadow continues as the Waterbury community holds onto hope that the beloved cat survived the devastating fire that claimed the life of another family pet, Loki.

After carefully reviewing photos and videos from inside and around the fire-damaged building, Shadow’s family and the Waterbury Woof Pack have determined that the gray cat seen inside the structure was most likely not Shadow.

The conclusion came after comparing available images with known photos of Shadow, including details such as coat coloring, facial structure, body shape, size, and overall appearance.

While the gray cat initially gave rescuers hope that Shadow had been located, further review revealed differences that suggest the cat was another animal.

The cat, who has not yet been identified by his owner, has been given the temporary name Ami, meaning “friend” in French, because of what rescuers believe was his loyalty during the tragedy.

According to the Waterbury Woof Pack, Ami remained near Loki inside the damaged building until Loki was recovered. A gray cat matching Ami’s appearance was later captured on camera outside the structure.

Rescuers are continuing efforts to safely trap Ami so he can receive medical attention after being exposed to the dangerous conditions inside the building. The goal is to check his health, provide any needed treatment, and help him find a safe place to recover.

With the focus now shifting, rescuers are renewing efforts to locate Shadow and are operating under the hope that he escaped the building.

Local feeders have been contacted, and flyers will be distributed throughout the surrounding area. Community members who believe they may have spotted Shadow are asked to send photos or videos directly to the Waterbury Woof Pack so sightings can be reviewed before reaching Shadow’s family.

The organization said the emotional toll of a missing pet search can be overwhelming, especially when every possible sighting brings hope followed by disappointment.

Shadow’s mom has since moved into a new apartment and is ready to bring him home.

“Please keep both of them close in your hearts,” the Waterbury Woof Pack said, encouraging residents to continue supporting the search.

The update also included positive news regarding the other animals impacted by the fire. Loki’s cremation will be handled by Pet Passages, allowing Loki’s family to bring her home. A reunion between Rasmus and his father is also being planned for next week, marking their first time together since the night of the fire.

The Waterbury Woof Pack thanked the Waterbury Fire Department for their rescue attempts, the Waterbury Police Department for drone searches, Waterbury Citizen for assisting with evening drone flights, and the many community members who have supported the family throughout the tragedy.

The search for Shadow remains active, and the community continues to hope that he is still out there waiting to come home.

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Update July 15, 2026 7:33AM

Search Continues for Shadow the Cat After South Main Street Fire; Loki Recovered During Rescue Efforts

The search continues for Shadow, the cat who has captured the attention of the Waterbury community after being reported missing following the devastating South Main Street fire.

Waterbury Woof Pack CT provided an update Wednesday, saying that additional efforts have been made by the Waterbury Fire Department, Waterbury Police Department, and Animal Control to locate Shadow after the roof collapse at the fire-damaged building.

“Several more attempts by both the Fire, Police, and Animal Control Departments have been made to locate Shadow,” the organization said. “We are incredibly grateful for their partnership.”

The Fire Department has continued entering areas of the building where it is safe to do so, while the Police Department has assisted with drone searches. Traps remain in place and are being monitored continuously, but there have been no confirmed sightings of Shadow since the collapse.

Despite the lack of a visual confirmation, rescuers remain hopeful that Shadow may still be alive.

Officials and volunteers believe Shadow may have moved into another section of the building that remains protected, found a way to reach a lower floor, or possibly escaped the structure entirely.

The search will continue with additional tools, including a handheld infrared camera that will be used to inspect areas that cannot be accessed by drone.

“We are consistently monitoring and refreshing traps, but unfortunately, we have not had a visual on Shadow since the roof collapse,” Waterbury Woof Pack CT said.

The organization emphasized that every available effort is being made to find the missing cat.

“The Fire Department, Police Department, Animal Control, and our team are all working together to get this cat if there is any possible way to do so,” they said.

The rescue effort also brought heartbreaking news for another family affected by the fire.

During the search, volunteers recovered the remains of Loki, the sister of Rasmus, a cat who was rescued from the fire and is currently in foster care.

“Loki was a beautiful girl, and we are incredibly sorry for her dad’s loss,” the organization said. “After losing everything, no one should also have to wonder what happened to their beloved pet.”

Waterbury Woof Pack CT said they are exploring options for a private cremation so Loki can be returned home to her owner.

The community continues to support the families and animals impacted by the devastating fire, with residents keeping hope alive that Shadow can still be found.

“Please keep Shadow, Loki, Rasmus, their parents, and every family affected by this devastating fire in your thoughts,” the organization said.

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WATERBURY — A desperate search to rescue a missing cat believed trapped inside the remains of the devastating South Main Street fire has taken a hopeful turn after a drone with heat-sensing technology located the animal alive inside the condemned building.

Shadow, a blackish gray cat owned by Nia Rivera, became one of the most emotional stories to emerge from the three-alarm fire that displaced residents and left a portion of the South Main Street block heavily damaged.

Rivera refused to give up hope that her cat survived the blaze. She publicly pleaded for help, insisting Shadow was alive and calling on the community to assist in bringing her beloved pet home.

After hearing Rivera’s pleas, The Waterbury Times reached out and joined the search effort. The team traveled to the scene Saturday night and contacted Waterbury Live and Raw, whose drone technology helped search the dangerous, unstable structure.

The drone detected a heat signature inside the debris — confirming what Rivera had believed: Shadow was alive.

The rescue effort continued into the night, with assistance from Woof PACK CT attempting to lure the frightened cat out of the building. Despite the efforts, Shadow would not leave the wreckage.

Because the building has been declared unsafe and condemned, entering the structure was not an option.

On Sunday morning, fire officials, fire marshals, and police returned to the scene to continue rescue efforts. Firefighters were able to confirm that Shadow was still moving inside the debris, but the cat continued to retreat deeper into the damaged building as rescuers approached.

The fire marshal determined that allowing firefighters to enter the unstable structure would put their lives at risk.

A rescue cage has now been placed near the area where Shadow has been seen, and officials and volunteers are waiting for the cat to safely come out.

For Rivera, the mission remains simple: bring Shadow home.

“He’s alive,” Rivera has continued to say throughout the search — a belief that has now been confirmed.

The Waterbury Times will continue following the rescue effort and provide updates as they become available.

Anyone who wishes to support displaced residents impacted by the South Main Street fire can contact The Waterbury Times for information on how to help.