I think I speak for everyone at the Petfinder Foundation when I say that our thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy. All of us here have been working diligently to provide whatever assistance we can to help pets, and the people who care for them, during this difficult time.
For me, awarding grants is one of my favorite parts of my job as Program Manager at the Petfinder Foundation because I know each grant I award is directly helping homeless pets. Most recently we awarded $10,000 to the Humane Society of Atlantic County in Atlantic City, NJ. They were hit extremely hard by Sandy. The shelter had approximately a foot of sea water throughout during the worst part of the storm and because of the flooding they lost a significant amount of medical and shelter supplies, including medications, food, and other items.
In addition to the damage, the Humane Society is also offering assistance to the pets in the community that were affected by the storm in the form of medical care, food and shelter. This is a great example of the role animal shelters play in their local communities. When disaster strikes, shelters not only cope with their own losses, but work overtime to care for the pets of those around them so that people who’ve lost everything can at least know their pets are safe.
Danielle Tustin, Adoption Counselor for HSAC, says, “We are hoping to replenish our medical and shelter supplies, and establish a point where those affected in the community can bring their pets for medical care and any needed supplies. We will need to purchase medications, vaccines, and food, as well as pay doctors and staff to help care for these animals. We anticipate caring for a significant of local animals from the community in the coming weeks as a result of this disaster.”
The Petfinder Foundation is continuing to reach out to and award groups affected by this storm. If you are a group in need of help, please fill out the disaster application here. To help other organizations impacted by Hurricane Sandy please make a donation to the Petfinder Foundation here.
