LOCAL HERO DEPARTS SATURDAY FOR 975 MILE TREK TO SAVE THE ANIMALS IN KATRINA’S WAKE
Eric Phelps to Deliver over 1100 Pounds of Dog Food and Medical Supplies, Donated by Tidewater Townspeople, To Jackson Mississippi’s Project Hope

Who: Eric Phelps, a Norfolk resident and volunteer with In Defense of Animals (IDA)
When: 12:00 noon departure from Chesapeake Fence Company
Where: Chesapeake Fence Company 
1944 S. Military Hwy.
Chesapeake, VA 23320

In Defense of Animals (IDA) and other animal protection organizations have been working diligently around the clock, rescuing animals left behind by the storm. Rescuers in Mississippi and Louisiana report that they are still in great need of medical and veterinary supplies to help the animals who have been languishing for more than four weeks. There are still reports of over 200 dogs, cats and other domestic animals who are dying, each day, of starvation and of thirst before the volunteers can rescue them. 

“When I saw the images of animals stranded in areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina, I felt an overwhelming sense of need to help,” said Phelps. “I am so grateful for the outpouring of support and generosity from Tidewater residents and businesses who want to help. There’s still room in the van and people can bring food and veterinary supplies to the drop off center up until noon on Saturday.” 

The most urgently needed supplies are broad-spectrum and eye antibiotics, saline solution, ear ointments, flea and tick treatments, anti-diarrhea medications, and of course dog, cat and other animal food. 

After Saturday, supplies and monetary donations can be sent directly to IDA’s Project Hope at Project Hope, Rt. 1 Box 128, Grenada, MS 38901. For more information, please visit http://www.idausa.org/hurricane.html 

Special thanks to Sheryl Hewitt of Greenbrier Veterinary Emergency Clinic who donated massive amounts of dog food, to Dr. Joel Zaba, a Norfolk ophthalmologist who donated 4 cases of saline solution for the animals’ intravenous needs and to Cecil Lewis of the Chesapeake Fence Company who donated his property (and 40 bags of dog food) for the drop off center.”