Second Chance: Puerto Rico Pets

04 Oct Second Chance: Puerto Rico Pets

Dear Pet Column,

I have not heard any word on animal rescue efforts in Puerto Rico. I know communication channels to the island have been devastated, but do you have any news on what appears to be the “forgotten island?”

Sincerely,

Worried for PR Pets

Archie

Dear Worried,

Your concerns are absolutely warranted. The United States commonwealth of Puerto Rico was not only hit hard by Hurricane Irma, but was also decimated by Hurricane Maria a mere two weeks later. The entire island of 3.5 million people remains largely without power and the few lines of communication and supplies for both humans and pets are quickly diminishing, including potable water.

I have been online looking for updates on animal rescue efforts and coming up short. I started with the big rescue agencies that were front and center for the devastation in Texas and Florida and it appears as though they are not involved in rescue in Puerto Rico at this time. I know that there is only so much these organizations can do and they are still very busy working in Texas and Florida – but I share your concerns as to whether Puerto Rico is being overlooked.

The situation in Puerto Rico is still being described as a “war-zone” in many parts of the U.S. Territory and so those small groups who are beginning to organize efforts are recognizing that it is going to take a long time to get to all the animals in need, and for many it will likely be too late. The current situation is certainly grim for people and pets.

However, after digging further I have found evidence of some animal rescue efforts in motion, such as the Humane Society of Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, this organization was unable to evacuate shelter animals from the island before the hurricane, in part because they did not have all the necessary health paperwork on hand.

But, now that the road to the local Puerto Rican airport has finally been cleared, the organizations will be flying out its first plane full of animals this Friday to New Jersey. The Puerto Rico shelter currently housing the animals was flooded on the first floor, and its running low on food.

An area known for large populations of feral cats and dogs, Puerto Rican animal rescues were already at capacity caring for discarded pets. One organization sadly services an area known as “Dead Dog Beach” for the countless canines people dump there. Now, this and many other rescues are in dire need of basic food, medical, and care supplies for the animals they were able to harbor before Maria hit.  Here are a few organizations in dire need of support: Humane Society of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Animal Welfare Society and The Sato Project.

Additionally, state-side, I found that Guardians of Rescue, a New York-based organization, is helping animals affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Maria and now Irma.

The rescue group flew to Puerto Rico on Monday, October 2, and plans to spend weeks in Puerto Rico conducting animal rescue. Hopefully some of the larger U.S. rescue groups will be joining in their efforts shortly.

My name is Archie. I am a handsome white-and-black Border collie of about two years of age here at Second Chance Humane Society. Like you, I am worried about the pets in Puerto Rico as I came from a situation that also involved suffering and hardship. Please consider adopting me and be part of the circle of humanity that is dedicated to ending such suffering. Although I need some time to build up my confidence around people, I am great with other dogs. I am starting to enjoy leash walking and exploring new surroundings.

Paisley

Paisley is this week’s Cat of the Week, a beautiful two-year-old calico. Paisley is an extremely sweet and lovable girl who gets along great with other cats. She enjoys cuddling, sunbathing and exploring. She also likes 80’s TV reruns.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff with Cabella & Wilbur

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup or get your pup (or adult dog) trained than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org

Vetting the Vet: Dr. Michelle Dally, DVM, J.D. is Medical Director of Second Chance Humane Society. She also has a private practice, Dally Veterinary Medicine, 333 S. Elizabeth Street, Ridgway, Colorado. Her service area is  San Miguel Mesas, Placerville, Ridgway, Ouray, and Montrose. For more on Dr. Dally, go here.

Michelle & Wallowby