It’s been almost six months since Katrina tore through the towns and outlying communities in the Gulf Coast region. When those in Katrina’s path initially evacuated, many believed they would be back in their homes the next day. We all now know the unimaginable took place. Thousands of victims, both human and animal, are without homes.
Since the day after Katrina swept through, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary of Utah has been rescuing, reuniting, and re-homing the animals left stranded and defenseless by the storm’s wrath. Through the help and generosity of people across the country, Best Friends was able to build and staff a temporary shelter and medical clinic in Tylertown, Mississippi. Since early September, well over 4000 dogs, cats, and various other animals have passed through their gates to receive the care and love they deserve.
Good news. Best Friends has placed all cats and is now down to just under 60 dogs. Many of these remaining dogs lived on the streets for several months, fending for themselves, before coming to Tylertown. Several of these dogs have proven to be resilient to their trauma and are still playful and outgoing, while others are confused, withdrawn, and frightened.
Help is on the way and St. Mary's Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) has been asked to participate. Best Friends is now offering to fly people down to Tylertown and pay for accommodations if they will take a dog. In addition, $1000 will be made available to help care for each dog that we bring to St. Mary’s County. Interested foster homes must be affiliated with a rescue organization such as SMAWL, have experience training dogs (not necessarily professional experience), and be committed to training and caring for their foster dogs until a forever home can be found. While in Tylertown, the staff at Best Friends will help you pick out a dog that will best match your experience and home environment. More information can be found at the following website http://network.bestfriends.org/hurricane/news/1683.html however the application process must be handled through SMAWL.
If you have room in your home and in your heart for the last of these Katrina victims, please let us know. With the help of Best Friends, SMAWL will pay for all care associated with your foster dog. Remember too that these dogs will need adoptive homes.
Thank you for your continued support.
Maureen Bernard - Vice-President, St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League, bernsm@erols.com
Since the day after Katrina swept through, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary of Utah has been rescuing, reuniting, and re-homing the animals left stranded and defenseless by the storm’s wrath. Through the help and generosity of people across the country, Best Friends was able to build and staff a temporary shelter and medical clinic in Tylertown, Mississippi. Since early September, well over 4000 dogs, cats, and various other animals have passed through their gates to receive the care and love they deserve.
Good news. Best Friends has placed all cats and is now down to just under 60 dogs. Many of these remaining dogs lived on the streets for several months, fending for themselves, before coming to Tylertown. Several of these dogs have proven to be resilient to their trauma and are still playful and outgoing, while others are confused, withdrawn, and frightened.
Help is on the way and St. Mary's Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) has been asked to participate. Best Friends is now offering to fly people down to Tylertown and pay for accommodations if they will take a dog. In addition, $1000 will be made available to help care for each dog that we bring to St. Mary’s County. Interested foster homes must be affiliated with a rescue organization such as SMAWL, have experience training dogs (not necessarily professional experience), and be committed to training and caring for their foster dogs until a forever home can be found. While in Tylertown, the staff at Best Friends will help you pick out a dog that will best match your experience and home environment. More information can be found at the following website http://network.bestfriends.org/hurricane/news/1683.html however the application process must be handled through SMAWL.
If you have room in your home and in your heart for the last of these Katrina victims, please let us know. With the help of Best Friends, SMAWL will pay for all care associated with your foster dog. Remember too that these dogs will need adoptive homes.
Thank you for your continued support.
Maureen Bernard - Vice-President, St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League, bernsm@erols.com
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