Finding Safety from Hurricanes at RCHS
Photo by Ryan Weddle
It was just one month ago that Rancho Coastal Humane Society, along with our local rescue partners, welcomed more than 100 dogs and cats from Hurricane Laura ravaged Louisiana. These were pets already in shelters when the hurricane struck so we are clearing the way for many pets expected to be lost or abandoned during the storm.
RCHS veterinarian Dr. Julie Moews examined and treated every single one of the new arrivals before clearing each of them for adoption. Just as our kennels were beginning to sound less “houndy,” the call came again. Wings of Rescue would be bringing in another flight, this one timed to land in San Diego just before Hurricane Delta hit Louisiana.
Again, RCHS and our shelter partners along with the local media were ready. On October 6, the second flight touched down with 103 furry passengers onboard. Wings of Rescue Vice President Erin Robbins was the first to step off the plane carrying a puppy. All of the passengers were unloaded and set paw on San Diego soil for the first time.
The Wings of Rescue crew and shelters worked fast. They had to get the animals out while it was still safe to travel to the airport, and while it was still safe for the plane to land, load and take off again. RCHS President Judi Sanzo explains that each of these cats and dogs represents two lives saved. “We saved these pets and also created space for the pets who would replace them at the shelters in the disaster areas. Acadiana’s permanent kennels were emptied just before the damage was done.”
Dr. Moews and our medical staff evaluate every pet and test for any health concerns. It’s a lot of work.
The initial cost is about $700 per pet. If you’d like to contribute to the medical care of these special arrivals, please visit our website www.sdpets.org/give.
We’ve been doing this for 60 years and we’re still learning. One thing we know for sure – we can’t do it without you.
Thank you for supporting your Rancho Coastal Humane Society where Every Animal Deserves a Tomorrow®.
