Animal sheltering demands a lot from the people who call it their job—caring for and placing a community's homeless animals is no small task—but this year, in the face of tragedy, animal welfare professionals somehow found a way to give even more.
Following hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, animal care and control professionals from around the country poured into the affected areas along the Gulf Coast. They brought their own equipment and vehicles—and their passion. They often surrendered their vacation time and personal comfort to rescue and shelter thousands of animals in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida.
With those sacrifices in mind, The HSUS is celebrating National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, November 6-12, by honoring public and private animal shelters not only for the important work they do for animals year-round, but also for their dedication to animals affected by this year's disasters.
United by Disaster
Hours after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, a network of shelter workers—professional animal control and humane law enforcement officers from hundreds of agencies around the country, many part of The HSUS's Disaster Animal Response Team (DART)—was preparing to respond. Their mission was to rescue and care for animals trapped or injured by the storm.
It didn't take long for people to take notice. This brave group of volunteers quickly caught the eye of the news media, which captured incredible images that appeared on televisions and in newspapers around the country, highlighting the rescue work that was being accomplished as part of an unprecedented collaboration.
"Rarely do we have the opportunity to work with so many dedicated and amazing animal welfare professionals from throughout the United States," said Tim Rickey, assistant director of rescues and investigations for the Humane Society of Missouri in St. Louis and an HSUS DART volunteer. "We gained so much respect for our colleagues."
The cooperation among agencies didn't end there. In addition to sending staff members to volunteer in the affected areas, many shelters opened their doors to the thousands of animals who were suddenly stranded. The shelters also helped to arrange transportation and housing for animals, and collected money and supplies for the disaster relief effort.
More than 8,000 animals rescued in Louisiana and Mississippi were transported to more than 220 animal shelters and rescue groups around the country. To date, more than 1,000 pets have been reunited with their owners. A special acknowledgment goes to all the animal shelter professionals in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas who grappled with their own losses—yet led the way to respond to the animals in need.
"The willingness of these people to donate their resources and risk their own safety to help the animals of the Gulf Coast reflects their incredible dedication to animal welfare and their compassion for humanity," said Kate Pullen, director of animal sheltering issues for The HSUS.
Everyday Heroes
But animal control officers, humane officers, and other shelter workers are not just extraordinary because of their dedication to animals during disasters. Whether bringing together hopeful critters and loving families, rescuing injured or abused animals, or educating the community about animal welfare, shelter workers have a tireless devotion to animals.
"They are everyday heroes," Pullen said. "Around the clock, including weekends, nights, and holidays, they respond to crises taking place on the streets of their cities and counties. For all the work that they do, shelter professionals rarely receive rewards beyond the trust of an animal who has never had a reason to trust before, and the satisfaction of knowing that they are stewards of these creatures who need help."
Start Celebrating!
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is about thanking shelters, celebrating their good work, and educating others. It's the perfect time to recognize the people in your community who are dedicated to helping animals. Here are a few of the many ways you can learn more about your local shelter or get involved:
- In July, we asked readers to send us stories illustrating the amazing work their local shelter does. Now it's time to unveil the winner of our "Super Shelter Stories" contest. Check your local newspaper on Sunday, November 6, where the winner's story will be illustrated in a Mutts comic strip, but first read the winning entry.
- In celebration of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Banfield, The Pet Hospital © is offering a complimentary health screening to all pets adopted from an animal shelter November 6-12. New adopters can download a gift certificate, redeemable at any Banfield, The Pet Hospital location.
- Want to remind others how important your local shelter is to the community? Download the printable version of the official National Animal Shelter Week 2005 poster. Post one on your office bulletin board, at your local library, gym or veterinarian's office.
- Find out how you can get involved in helping your local shelter care for animals in your community.
