Update December 21, 2005
IDA's Project Hope Hurricane Relief Team Takes Animals to Northern Shelters
25 Dogs and Cats Make 1,100-Mile Journey Seeking Loving Guardians and Forever Homes
After spending the week assisting with repairs on a sanctuary damaged by Hurricane Katrina in Picayune, Miss., IDA contractor Eric Phelps and employee Connie Durkee transported 25 dogs and cats from the Gulf area 1,100 miles north to the Maryland SPCA in Baltimore. The arduous 30 hour drive is well worth it to the dedicated workers who know they are giving these animals a chance at finding their forever homes that they wouldn't have in the south where families are still rebuilding their homes and their lives, many living in tents and FEMA trailers. Some of the animals came from IDA's Project Hope Sanctuary, which has served as a temporary holding facility when shelters in the storm-ravaged areas reach their capacity. Others came from the Humane Society of South Mississippi (HSSM), which fills up on a weekly basis with animals trapped on the streets in the Gulfport-Biloxi area. Through the help of IDA and other organizations working on transport, HSSM's doors remain open to the animals who have survived the storm and its aftermath.
Recognizing that the problem is far from over, Best Friends is planning to open two new rescue centers in New Orleans, La. and Gulfport, Miss. Volunteers with the drive to help are still needed, particularly those who have proficiency in data entry, mechanical skills or expertise in humane animal trapping. Contact hurricanekatrinainquiries@idausa.org or visit www.bestfriends.org for more information about volunteering.
