CAPE GIRARDEAU (WSIL) -- Ida rocked the Louisiana coast, making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. Ahead of that storm, a local humane society tried to rescue as many pets as possible.
The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri jumped into action when they found just how just how strong Hurricane Ida would be and that animals could be in danger. While residents along the Louisiana coast evacuated ahead of Hurricane Ida, a local team rushed in to help.
"We went ahead and got extra gas cans as we were going down just to make sure that we were going to have the gas to get back out of the area. We knew gas lines were getting shut down," says Zach Boerboom, Shelter Operations Coordinator.
The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri sent a team of four people and two vans to Louisiana on a rescue mission.
"We work with Best Friend's Animal Society a lot. We've worked with them previously and are network partners. They reached out saying hey Hurricane Ida is going to hit ground and here are all of the organizations that still have animals and they're in the pathway of the hurricane," explains Boerboom.
Boerboom says thanks to recent adoptions, they planned to bring back 7 dogs and ended up rescuing 10. "Getting them out of that area, step number one and then unfortunately the employees that are still there are expecting animals that were left behind or that get loose during all the hustle and bustle of evacuations."
Boerboom says the dogs come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from a puppy to a big 100 pound boy named Buddy. "It's fantastic. While you're in the situation you're not thinking of all the good that's happening and all the organizations that are working together. But then coming back home and actually getting able to get some sleep and then realize we just helped out ten pets and the community of southeast Missouri is going to come out adopt those pets and give them loving homes."
Even if you're unable to adopt Boerboom says several of the rescued dogs are in need of heart worm treatment and all donations are greatly appreciated. For more information on how you can adopt one of the dogs or donate click for more information.
