Florida Animal Advocates Flock to Texas to Aid Animals Displaced by Ike

The people of Florida know more than a thing or two about hurricanes. So when Ike moved from the Atlantic into the Gulf and then slammed into Texas, more than two dozen specially-trained Floridians followed in its destructive wake to help rescue and care for displaced animals. These volunteers were part of the National Disaster Animal Response Team assisting The Humane Society of the United States in emergency response efforts.

“We have been able to save the lives of hundreds of animals here in Texas with the help of these dedicated volunteers,” said Joanne Bourbeau, who is leading HSUS’ work at the Galveston County Animal Shelter. “Floridians know what it feels like to be devastated by a natural disaster, and wasted no time in coming to the aid of animals in the Lone Star State.” 

Volunteers recruited by The HSUS have been assisting with sheltering needs at the Humane Society of Southeast Texas and the Galveston County Animal Shelter. These shelters held a combined total of more than 600 animals at their peak of occupancy. Volunteers at these locations supplemented the work of shelter staff by feeding, exercising and caring for the animals. 

Here are personal stories of some of these volunteers: 

• Ron Heimburger runs his own transportation and logistics consulting business in Riverview, Fla., and this was his first deployment with the NDART. He's a self-professed "cat guy" who volunteers for a trap/neuter/return organization called Cat Call in his home base. As "cat team leader" at the Galveston shelter, Ron expertly organized the daily cleaning and feeding of nearly 200 cats for a week. "I had a great time," said Ron. "I have not met this size group of people with their act together in many years. The focus was the animals, teamwork, and what do we do to get it done. These are people I hope to stay in touch with. I'll do it again in a heartbeat."
• Linda Fenton of Tampa Bay has been a Bay Area DART team member for the past 3 years, and assisted The HSUS with their gopher relocation program last year. "It was overwhelming, interesting, and emotional...but fulfilling," said Fenton. "I enjoyed all of it." Linda makes and sells her own natural dog ice cream, "Boneez," which she sells at local fundraisers for the SPCA and in local pet stores. She works part-time for an Orlando engineering company.
• Mark and Wendy Taylor are a husband and wife team from South Tampa. Mark is a maintenance manager for Sunoco, and took vacation time to accompany his wife to the Galveston shelter. This was their first deployment with the NDART, but both Mark and Wendy did stints after Katrina to help at temporary shelters and with the feeding of feral cats. Wendy volunteered at the HSUS' Tennessee puppy mill rescue, helping to unload dogs relocated to Tampa. The couple even spent a few nights in their car while helping. "Everyone was hard working and self-motivated. It's been a good experience," said Mark.  

The HSUS has broadcast-quality video and photos available from Hurricane Ike rescues at video.hsus.org.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.