Animal Humane Society rescues 119 Hurricane Ike dogs with NWA's help

October 16, 2008

Hundreds of animals were lost, abandoned and surrendered after the devastation of Hurricane Ike. They've made it through difficult times and we at Animal Humane Society are committed to helping them. That's why, together with Northwest Airlines, we've brought nearly 120 dogs from Houston to Minneapolis for additional care and new homes in the Twin Cities.

In September, our AHS Special Case Response Team returned after a week spent assisting the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Texas. There they cared for hundreds of companion animals and wildlife affected by the hurricane. As they left Texas, our team spoke with officials at the Harris County Veterinary Public Health Shelter in Houston where nearly 200 dogs were being housed in facilities without power-some even in outside tents in high temperatures. The center asked for our assistance in helping find homes for the displaced animals. According to Kathie Johnson, AHS director of animal services, "Once we saw the animals and how hard the staff was working to care and comfort them, we made the promise to return."

On Sunday, September 28, a second team traveled to Houston to rescue 59 of these dogs. A few days later, they arrived in the Twin Cities. That was just the beginning. In the past few weeks, the remaining 60 dogs have been transported to Minneapolis via Northwest Airlines' passenger flights.

The animals have received exams, spay/neuter surgery and any necessary medical treatments. Many had health issues that required more extensive treatments and quite a few have needed to go into foster care settings until they are healthy enough to be placed in our Adoption Centers. Others are already in new, loving homes.

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