Humans aren’t the only ones weathering the Category 2 Hurricane Dorian that slammed into the Florida shore on Tuesday; animals are suffering too! Luckily, the dogs and cats at the no-kill, non-profit animal shelter Jacksonville Humane Society are able to ride out the storm, all thanks to good Samaritans.
Before Hurricane Dorian approached the Sunshine State’s coast, Jacksonville Humane Society took to Facebook to post a photo showing its staff standing next to the shelter’s empty cages. The staff are seen doing the thumbs-up gesture and raising their hands in the air to celebrate its achievement—nearly all of their pets were placed into foster homes ahead of the storm with the help of volunteers.
“You did it, Jacksonville! Thanks to you, nearly all of our pets will ride out Hurricane Dorian in loving Storm Trooper foster homes. Your response to our call for help was tremendous, and we can’t thank everyone enough for their generosity and support. We feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of such a kind, compassionate community,”
Jacksonville Humane Society wrote.
Storm Troopers foster families were provided with pet food, leashes, and collars. They are required to keep the pets in their homes until the storm passes on Friday, Sept. 6.
The foster families came forward after the animal shelter asked for help on social media.
In an earlier
Facebook post on Aug. 31, Jacksonville Humane Society wrote: “Our animals would love to ride out Hurricane Dorian in a cozy home like yours instead of at the shelter. We are currently seeking Storm Trooper families to care for our pets until at least Friday, September 6. ”
“Interested families can stop by the JHS Adoption Center at 8464 Beach Blvd. between 10-5 tomorrow, September 1, and between 12-4 on Monday, September 2,” Jacksonville Humane Society continued. “Our team will help you choose a pet that will be a good fit for your home. Dogs, cats, and kittens are available to foster.”
Amazingly, the next day, people began lining up outside the animal shelter at 8464 Beach Blvd to pick up a pet home ahead of Hurricane Dorian.
“Good morning, Jacksonville! Once again, we’re overwhelmed by your support. Just check out this line of Storm Troopers waiting to get inside!” Jacksonville Humane Society
updated.
As per Lindsey Leyendecker with Jacksonville Humane Society, 140 cats and 70 dogs were fostered,
First Coast News reported.
Jacksonville Humane Society will announce on their Facebook page if they need more storm troopers.
“If further Storm Trooper needs arise tomorrow, we'll make an announcement on our Facebook page. Any animals who remain at the shelter (for example, those with special medical needs) will be cared for by JHS staff and all measures will be taken to ensure their safety and comfort,” the animal shelter
added.
It’s truly heartwarming seeing the Jacksonville community banding together to provide these shelter animals a home to ride out the Category 2 storm.
“We are grateful that we can always count on the compassion of the Jacksonville community,” Jacksonville Humane Society CEO Denise Deisler said in a
press release.
This story proves there’s still hope for humanity. Take care and stay safe, Jacksonville!
