In adversity people pull together. They always have. Natural disasters create social cohesion. People need each other. Animals need people. When people need each other they help each other and this is exactly what is happening in Texas at this moment in time.
The world is aware of the devastating storms over the past week, in Texas, with apparently at least 18 people dead and 8 people missing after extensive flooding. Many animals were left in a desperate situation disconnected from their owners and in dire need of assistance.
Shelters became flooded not only with water but with too many companion animals. Conditions became overcrowded.
“Due to flooding, many animals have become lost and good Samaritans are bringing them to the Austin Animal Centre,” said the shelter on Facebook.
“We are DESPARATE to get animals out of the centre!”
Austin Animal Centre took 60 dogs from the Town Lake Animal Shelter in Austin and their partner, non-profit, Austin Pets Alive!
Austin Animal Centre had to appeal for help and in time honoured manner they appealed on social media, Twitter and Facebook.
The shelter was overcapacity by up to 140 animals on Monday. Their appeal on social media was answered in the most positive manner as the queue of volunteers in the photographs demonstrates. Volunteers lined up to foster animals and to help anyway they could.
About 100 people showed up at the Town Lake Animal Shelter. Not only did they volunteer to foster animals they also brought supplies, blankets and towels. They also helped out on the day-to-day functions of running shelters.
Austin Animal Centre posted a big thank you on their Facebook page:
“We are so humbled by the outpouring of support we have received over the last few days. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who has donated, adopted, fostered, volunteered and come together to care for the families and pets affected by the recent storms.”
As I said in the opening paragraph, it does not surprise me one bit that people come forward in adversity to help. They are helping each other and their companion animals.
Source: Outpouring of Support for Shelter Animals…
My thanks to ELisa Black-Taylor too.
I’m so sorry to come forward with Texas bashing, but that state has the worst reputation for animal welfare. After all, that’s Jim Stevenson’s home state.
It’s another drink beer, whoop ass, and hunt animal state.
Again, I’m so sorry to write that I don’t believe that animal welfare would ever be a priority there.
Most Americans consider Texas to be the hellhole of America and shameful.
It is funny you should say that because even Brits have similar ideas about Texas! They are well-known for the sort of things you mention. It looks like not all Texans are of that ilk.
I just found a nice brand vest for $5. The trash can idea is ingenious, but wouldn’t work for me.
Good. I don’t think the trash can idea is ideal!
This is wonderful and heartwarming to see. I wonder how many of these people have fostered animals before, or if this tragedy prompted them to do it for the first time. If so, maybe they’ll do it in the future.
This storm and flood makes me wonder how many readers have floatation gear for their pets? I’ve been thinking about getting a vest for my cat, since I do live in a flood zone in Northern California.
What about this way, Sandy?