Dog in a Tree: Hurricane Season Tests the Limits of Animal Rescue

Oct 8

Oct 8 Dog in a Tree: Hurricane Season Tests the Limits of Animal Rescue

Animal-rescue organizations, big and small, are working overtime in the Southeast as hurricanes disrupt the lives of both humans and their pets. The damage wrought by Hurricane Helene, which tore through inland areas not usually susceptible to big-storm paths, is still being assessed while stranded animals await rescue.

In Washington County, Tennessee, firefighters looking for (human) survivors amid storm damage were shocked to come across a dog stuck in a tree, 20 feet off the ground. “I just happened to look up in the tree and, it was like, ‘oh my God, there’s a dog in the tree.’” Captain Zach Helvey tells WCYB News. The firemen saved the dog, who immediately began cuddling with her rescuers. “She was thanking us,” says Helvey.

In Melbourne, Florida the HOPE for Brevard animal rescue collected thousands of pounds of cat food and crates and trucked it to Asheville, North Carolina. The Florida volunteers now await the crates’ return, this time filled with rescued cats. “One day, it could be us, so the best thing we can do is help other rescues,” shelter manager Amands Peck tells FOX35 in Orlando. “I will put up more cages, set up kennels, and make more space as needed.”

Alliances among rescue orgs are proving invaluable. Earlier this year Best Friends Animal Society helped coordinate 35 shelters around Georgia to share resources. “In this situation, we’re clearly seeing the benefits of our shelter collaboration program at a time of great need for many organizations,” Best Friends senior strategist Jessica Krueger tells the Thomasville Times-Enterprise. “With support from Best Friends, Humane Society for Greater Savannah, Thomasville Humane Society, and Humane Society for Northeast Georgia are stepping in to help shelters within the region that have been destroyed or severely damaged by the storm.”

Helene’s havoc is still being assessed while another huge storm, Milton, is on the way. A recent update on the Humane Society’s website speaks volumes: “In the aftermath of deadly Hurricane Helene, we are now on the ground in North Carolina and remain on the ground in Tennessee to help people, pets and all animals. Our deployments in Florida have demobilized.”

Helene’s havoc is still being assessed while another huge storm, Milton, is on the way.

Don’t wait, donate! Best Friends Animal Society (with the inspiring motto “Save them all”) is here. The Humane Society has set up a dedicated disaster donation page here. The ASPCA has a similar page.