Flying Shelter Pets to New Homes After Hurricane Helene
FLORENCE, S.C. — In a heartwarming act of kindness, nonprofit group Greater Good Charities recently took to the skies, flying 125 shelter pets out of Florence to loving new homes in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This remarkable operation took place on a Wednesday afternoon, and it’s all aimed at helping our furry friends find their forever homes after experiencing a tough time due to Hurricane Helene.
A Safe Haven for Pets
The initiative was sparked by the urgent need to make room in local shelters for pets displaced by the hurricane, which heavily impacted states like Florida. By flying these pets to new locations, the sending shelters can open their doors to even more animals in need. It’s a win-win situation that benefits both the pets and the shelters.
Shelters in the Southeast, particularly Florence’s Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, teamed up with eight shelters in Wisconsin to make this flight successful. On this particular day, 44 cats and 81 dogs boarded the plane, all pre-selected to ensure they were a great fit for adoption. They were all set for their journey, having received a thorough vet check-up and health certification from a local veterinarian.
Ready for Their Journey
Before takeoff, these pets were vaccinated and traveled with official USDA veterinary certificates. To make the flight as comfortable as possible, they were provided with frozen food and water next to their crates. It’s a thoughtful touch that shows just how much care goes into these operations.
“They move very quickly,” noted Sára Varsa, Executive Vice President for Greater Good Charities. “Not only is there a huge interest in adopting, but many of our pets previously moved during disasters, and 100% of them find homes within seven to ten days, if not sooner.” This statistic is sure to give hope to anyone who has ever considered adopting a shelter pet!
The Adoption Journey
The receiving shelters in Wisconsin are the ones who decide when each pet is ready to find a new family, which often depends on the animal’s health status. This ongoing operation is not a one-time occurrence; it’s part of a larger cycle of helping animals in need that Greater Good Charities has been committed to for years.
“We’re in routine contact with our receivers, and one of the most rewarding aspects is sharing success stories with the sending shelters,” Varsa added. “These shelters work tirelessly for the well-being of their animals, knowing that sometimes, their pets must travel far for a chance at a new life. It’s always uplifting to hear about happy reunions and the new families that are being formed out of crisis.”
Helping Beyond Animals
Greater Good Charities is not just focused on helping pets; they are also stepping up to assist people affected by Hurricane Helene. They are collaborating with government officials across several states to provide food to millions of bees and their keepers whose hives were destroyed in the disaster. Additionally, they are distributing essential items like food, survival supplies, and hygiene products to those impacted by the hurricane.
Conclusion
The efforts of Greater Good Charities to rescue pets and help communities affected by disaster continue to inspire. As they fly shelter pets to their new homes, they also work diligently to support those in need by offering resources and support. It’s a beautiful picture of kindness, showing that with a little help, every pet can find a loving home, and every community can rebuild.
