As you know, with the hurricanes that have ravaged Florida, and another one on the way, many people have been left homeless--but their animals need help too. The ASPCA National Shelter Outreach department has distributed $15,000 in funds to help the four-legged victims of Florida's spate of hurricanes. For more information about what you can do to help, visit the ASPCA's website. Here is contact information for several animal welfare organizations in need if you wish to send them much-needed funds:
Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood, FL 34224; (941) 474-7884. The SHS is directing the relief effort in the Englewood area, and is currently dealing with hundreds of animals, with countless more expected. Most of the animals are storm-displaced strays, and will most likely have to be housed for at least 30 days. If you would like to help, mail a check or money order payable to SHS, or call to give via credit card.
Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County, 3519 Drance St., Port Charlotte, FL 33980; (508) 479-8484. The league's roof collapsed, leaving the main kennel and cat area unusable. In addition, the outside fencing was destroyed, and much office equipment was lost. The group needs funds, dry dog and cat food, canned foods, blankets, towels, computer systems and a fax machine.
Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL 33607; (813) 876-7138 or 7310. Coordinating efforts in surrounding communities, the society is collecting garbage bags, newspapers, towels, cat litter, dog and cat food, shampoos, toilet paper, first-aid kits, paper towels and funds to distribute through No More Homeless Pets of Hillsborough County. Designate checks for "DISASTER ASSISTANCE from Hurricane Charley in the surrounding counties."
Desoto County Board of County Commissioners, c/o Jim Selph, PO Box 310, Arcadia, FL 34266. The animal control building was completely destroyed by Charley. Designate donations for: "REBUILD ANIMAL CONTROL."
Humane Society of Polk County, 555 Sage Rd., Winter Haven, FL 33881; Lisa Baker, (813) 324-5227. The society's building was nearly destroyed, and will have to be replaced. The mobile spay unit/bus flipped over and was wrecked.
If you have some extra funds, please consider helping these organizations or any others you know of. Lots of people from other states helped us when we had our big ice storm, so please return the favor. Mama tells us lots of Mainers, including Mama herself, have friends and relatives in Florida, so we know our local readers will want to help as much as they can.
Don't forget to be prepared with a disaster plan of your own. Have enough crates for all your animal friends, and a supply of food and water for them as well as for yourself. Make sure that if your animals take medications, those are available, as well as their vet records (so if you need to prove they're vaccinated, you can do so). Many shelters that take people won't take animals, so please make sure your disaster plan includes accommodation and care for your animal companions.
Got a question? Need some advice? E-mail Sinéad and Siouxsie at advice@paws-and-effect.com. None of the advice in this column is meant to be a substitute for regular veterinary care.
