4 Paws Farm: Disaster Response and Recovery Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

After Hurricane Harvey we worked with other shelters in Brazoria County, TX. They were hit twice -- once by the initial storm and a second time by the rain north of them. That rain drained into the Brazos River, which brought a second round of flooding. We set up the Brazoria SPCA as a hub for distribution of medication and supplies for trauma, vaccinations and waterborne disease. A vet supply house sold us over $200,000 of medication for $70,000. We furnished crates for three shelters. We also furnished crates for a shelter in Klein and the larger effort of Austin Pets Alive!

Harvey was a massive disaster. The response was also massive. When people heard that the Petfinder Foundation was part of our funding, they were more apt to work with us. Your name helped to open the door to a vet supply house for medication and also opened doors with other rescues. "Petinder" was like a secret password conveying trust.

How many pets did this grant help?

It is difficult to say. Our people worked alongside dozens of other rescue groups. But our team actually touched more than 400 pets. Our medical supplies helped more than a thousand pets.

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

As our team was leaving the high-water area, a small puppy ran across the road. We found him and he was in terrible shape, both physically and mentally. We named him Harvey. After weeks of medication, emotional therapy, great food and lots of attention, he held his head high, walked with pride and interacted with people and other pets. Harvey went from terrible to terrific. Today he is with his family preparing to celebrate the holidays.