AHS Rescues 88 Dogs Affected by Hurricane Michael
In just two short days, volunteers at the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley brought in almost 90 dogs from Dothan, Alabama.
“Recently in the last week our shelter we partner with called and said we are getting over run,” says Danielle Cunnane, an animal transport driver. “People keep surrendering animals that they are finding in lieu of the hurricane.”
The Golden Valley shelter has been helping down South for 10 years. This year Alabama was hit hard by Hurricane Michael.
“There’s been a lot of damage to local animal rescue groups,” added Cunnane. “They have sort of been a center for taking in all these lost pets. We are taking animals that were already available for adoption bringing them here so we can make room for those displaced pets down there. That way, Hurricane-displaced pets don’t end up in Minnesota if owners can’t locate them in time.”
Alabama Shelter Still Overcrowded
While the amount of animals they took was helpful, the shelter in Alabama is still overcrowded.
“The last time I spoke to our coordinator at our partner shelter they’ve got animals everywhere,” says Cunnane. “They have them in their lobby. They’ve got animals in kennels in the hallway. They have animals even doubled and tripled in runs.”
The Animal Humane Society already has 100 animals from Minnesota that are in need of homes. However, they felt it was their duty to step up and help.
“It’s tough because of course we want the animals that are currently in Minnesota to be getting adopted and getting those homes,” says Cunnane. “The fact of the matter is animals don’t see state boarders, and I think they all need this chance.”
The Animal Humane Society won’t be able to take in any more animals unless the community steps up and adopts.
“This year we were more proactive,” said Cunnane. “With hurricane Harvey it was sort of picking up the pieces and just figuring out what to do, so next time we can be more available. Leading up to this hurricane we really planned ahead.”
All of the animals are vaccinated and behavior-tested before they are put on the adoption floor. Some of the dogs will be available for adoption as early as this weekend. For more information on adoption and for the Animal Humane Society’s hours of operation you can visit their website or Facebook page.
