10/25/2024
One thing I've learned throughout my years of doing disaster response is that the ONLY guarantee is that NOTHING is guaranteed! You have to be able to roll with the punches, always expect the unexpected, prepare for the worst, pray for the best, always have a backup plan, know your limits, and walk into every situation with an open mind and heart.
Last weeks trip to NC involved a pretty complex evacuation of numerous dogs by helicopter. I spent all week getting the logistics coordinated for the evac, landing zone, temporary holding facility, veterinarian, and rescue partners, only to find out that all of the dogs had already been evacuated. A great problem to have right?!?!
So I switched gears and spent the week doing recon, delivering supplies, bucking up trees, clearing culverts, moving Sunshine into her camper, coordinating operations for my team, and planning the next trip. All that, and I still found dogs that needed to be saved, or maybe they found me??
Helene and Sophia are about 4 months old and looking for their individual FOREVER homes immediately! Helene was hit by a trailer and her little elbow is broken in 3 places. She will have to be kept on crate/bed rest for about 6 weeks. No running, jumping, romping, or playing fetch for her just yet. She's super sweet and loves to snuggle so given the right place and routine she will do just fine during her recovery once we get her separated from her rambunctious sister. Sophia is a little firecracker, she's full of personality, and her little ears stick straight up in the air like antennas. Neither pup had ever been walked on a leash, put in a crate, slept inside a home, or gone on a ride in the car. I'm happy to report that they have both done GREAT with the first 3 on that list but riding in a car is NOT exactly their cup of tea. Anyone interested in adopting will be required to foster for 2 months to make sure it's a good fit and give us the opportunity to get them spayed and microchipped. At the end of the 2 months we will finalize the adoption and make it all official. Please click the link below to apply. https://vapawsforpits.wixsite.com/virginiapawsforpits/online-application
We also rescued Banjo and Luna. Banjo is a 7-9 month old Jack Russell and possibly beagle mix that has been starved, both of food and attention. The poor little guy is so socially awkward it's heartbreaking. Luna is a catahoula leopard dog with vision impairment, and she's pregnant. Thankfully, my local rescue contact in Avery County was able to help with these two because they needed immediate vet care on a Sunday. Both have been cleared by the vet and they are looking for a rescue partner to help out. They are being inundated with owner surrenders and strays now that the devastation and long term effects of this disaster have really started to set in. If you are a 501c3 and can help with either dog PLEASE let me know and I'll be happy to facilitate the transfer and handle transport directly to you.
Last but not least, on our VERY first trip down we rescued little Spruce. I'm happy to report that he's in a foster with intent to adopt and he's THRIVING in his new life of luxury. In honor of the survivors of Helene, he has been affectionately renamed, Kibo, which means hope in Japanese.
