- April 23, 2024
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Penny, one of two "Texas Tail Waggers" from Houston, hopes there might be a silver lining - and a home for her- after Hurricane Harvey. Photo courtesy of FHS
Boomer, the second "Texas Tail Wagger" from Houston, hopes there might be a silver lining - and a home for him - after Hurricane Harvey. Photo courtesy of FHS
Hazel,35953999, is a female 4-year-old American bulldog mix, available at Flagler Humane Society. Photo courtesy of FHS
Ameretto,35949669, is a female 4-year-old Labrador terrier mix, available at Flagler Humane Society. Photo courtesy of FHS
Cady, 35242882, is a female 8-month-old cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Photo courtesy of FHS
Curious, 13498350, is a female 9-year-old cat, available at Flagler Humane Socieyt. Photo courtesy of FHS
Dover is an adult male pit bull mix, available for adoption at Halifax Humane Society. Courtesy photo HHS
Dover is an adult male hound mix waiting for a home at Halifax Humane Society. Courtesy photo HHS
Miker Merrill, founder and president of Florida Urgent Rescue out of Jacksonville, approached the Houston area from the north on August 31. The route was designed to avoid flooded or closed roads, and to ensure the vehicles in his group could be refueled for the return trip.
“We had three vans of more than three tons of pet food and supplies,” he said.
The vans were still full when the vehicles left the Montgomery Animal Shelter. The group brought back 17 dogs that had been at the shelter for a while. By taking these dogs, kennel space was opened up for dogs that had been separated from their owners because of Hurricane Harvey.
Flagler Humane Society offered to meet the group in Jacksonville, on Labor Day, and bring two of the dogs back.
“I wish I could have taken more, but I have to think of our community first,” FHS Executive Director Amy Carotenuto said. “Especially with Irma coming, we had to be sure we had space for our own.”
Merrill said the most any shelter took was five dogs.
“Our goal was to not negatively impact the local shelters,” Merrill said.
“I have been asked what breeds I brought back, and I say, “Texas Tail Waggers,” Merrill said. “Our general rule is to help the animals that need it the most, and these were definitely in that category. Of course we are continuing to help the dogs in Florida.”
The two dogs, Penny and Boomer, are settling into the shelter and will be available for adoption in a few days. Carotenuto said the staff will observe them and let them settle in a bit after their journey.
Halifax Humane Society said, they too are concerned about the effect of Hurricane Harvey on the people and pets. The shelter said they have received several requests about what to do and how to donate, and shared the following:
Halifax Humane Society is a National Response Partner with Humane Society United States and the ASPCA. We have been in communication with both organizations regarding the affected areas. Our transport trailer, staff and kenneling space has been made available to both organizations to be utilized in their need. We remain prepared and on standby should our assistance be required. Self-deploying of our staff, volunteers or any other individual not plugged into national efforts is ill-advised at this time.
We have also remained in contact with Houston SPCA and SPCA of Texas, they are encouraging the public to make monetary donations instead of physical supplies. For local donation in Louisiana, please consider donating to the Louisiana SPCA. These are the main local organizations in relief efforts. It is advised that before you make a donation to any individual or organization that you perform your due diligence, as scams tend to increase during times of a disaster.
Our hearts go out to the people and pets of the affected areas. Several of our colleagues in these areas have relayed their wishes to thank supporters for their concern, prayers and benevolence.
