Homeless animals rescued from flooding caused by Hurricane Helene arrived in Fairfax Tuesday night, thanks to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. The shelter took in nearly 70 cats, over 20 puppies, and eight dogs from Yancey and Mitchell counties in North Carolina, where the hurricane caused extreme flooding and dangerous conditions.
“We are working with individuals and groups on the ground in North Carolina supported by the Bissell Pet Foundation to help animals from shelters where there is no running water, no electricity, and extremely limited ability for humans to get to these animals. It is dire,” said Sue Bell, Homeward Trails executive director. “We are moving every barrier we possibly can to take in as many animals needing help in an already over-stressed animal welfare landscape.”
Homeward Trails headed to Richmond Tuesday night to pick up and transport the rescue animals. It also handed off donations of dog food, cat food, and water for North Carolina.
There will likely be thousands of animals who will need rescue from the impacted areas, Homeward Trails said. The shelter will help some reunite with their families when possible, while others will find new homes.
To help with the situation, the PenFed Foundation announced that it will provide a $25,000 matching grant to Homeward Trails. This grant will pay adoption fees for military families and support pets impacted by the hurricane.
“We know very well the tremendous benefits of human-animal relationships and are thrilled to have the PenFed Foundation’s support to make it easier for our area’s military families to find their four-legged family member,” Bell said. “At this time in animal welfare with so many shelters filled to capacity with adoptable dogs and cats, this partnership will save many lives and bring happiness to so many.”
Those interested in helping can donate on Homeward Trails’ website, foster an animal, or volunteer.
Feature image courtesy Homeward Trails Animal Rescue/Facebook
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