In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many people have been left homeless. They’re turning to the Red Cross and FEMA for help. There are many other victims of the Hurricane who don’t have voices, and don’t have anywhere to turn to for help; these are the many dogs and cats who were left homeless when they were left behind by their owners, or turned over to shelters by owners who had no other option.
This is where the Michigan Animal Adoption Network stepped in. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization for animal rescue based right here in Metro Detroit, their volunteers have so far made three trips to the Hurricane-ravaged South, rescuing more than 137 cats and dogs.
Many of the animals are in pretty rough shape. They are malnourished and suffering from a variety of conditions brought on by their harsh experiences. The Network is nursing them back to health, and getting them ready for adoption.
One such dog is the aptly named Lucky Gumbo (pictured). Here’s her story (from their site):
Lucky Gumbo is a 3-year-old beagle who was surrendered to a shelter when her owners evacuated. She is heartworm positive and getting ready to be treated by MAAN. She is currently living the good life in a Royal Oak foster home, smelling the flowers and grass in her new northern home. In spite of what she has endured, Lucky is sweet and gentle and loving. Once seen through her treatment, she will be spayed and placed in a new permanent home.
What can you do to help?
1. Donate – the Michigan Animal Adoption Network desperately needs funds for food, gas and medical supplies.
2. Foster a dog or cat – even if you’re not able to provide a permanent home for one of these animals, MAAN needs responsible foster owners to provide a loving environment for dogs and cats as they are nursed back to health and placed in permanent homes.
3. Adopt an animal – give the ultimate gift of a home to one of these poor boys and girls.
Visit the site for the Michigan Animal Adoption Network for more information on all of these options. There is even an easy Pay Pal option to make a simple tax-deductible donation.
Keep in mind that while the hurricane is drawing the attention and urgency, MAAN has lots of other wonderful non-hurricane-related homeless pets who need the same care and attention as their newest arrivals. We all need to do our part to help out these unfortunate animals. It’s often said that the true test of a society is how it treats its most helpless. The dogs and cats really need our help, and you’ll feel great knowing you did your part.
UPDATE: Other organizations helping the Animals of Hurricane Katrina also have pets for foster and adoption, and also need your help:
1 comment:
Thanks for this post and the email Ryan. It's good to see people getting the word out!
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