In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, local shelters and animal rescue groups have mobilized to help animals impacted by the storm. Among those leading the charge is Saving Sage Animal Rescue, based in Sunrise, Florida. Volunteers from the organization traveled to North Carolina, where they provided much-needed assistance to devastated shelters, offering hope to countless animals left in the storm’s wake.
Delivering Aid to Shelters in Crisis
When Hurricane Helene hit, it left a trail of destruction in its path, affecting not only homes and infrastructure but also local animal shelters. Volunteers from Saving Sage quickly organized a mission to deliver crucial supplies to these shelters. Yelena Gayko, a volunteer with Saving Sage, described the harrowing scenes they encountered during their trip: “Most of the places you show up, and it looks like it’s normal. Nothing happened. Then you cross the street and it seems like it was a war zone. Mangled trucks mixed with trees and dirt. Bridges washed out.”
Despite the devastation, the group brought hope and relief. They arrived with hundreds of pounds of donations, including food, medical supplies, and syringes, all of which were essential for the shelters struggling to care for animals rescued from the storm. Many of these animals were found on the streets, in need of immediate medical attention and care. The Saving Sage team also brought back over 80 cats and kittens to Florida, where they will receive ongoing care and eventually find new homes. The passion and dedication of the volunteers were evident, with Gayko stating, “This is our passion. This is what we do.”
Local Shelters Band Together
The rescue mission didn’t end with Saving Sage. Local organizations like Bella’s Promise and Milk Drunk Foundation stepped in to offer support, ready to take in animals rescued from the storm. These groups were on standby to assist, ensuring the animals had a safe place to recover.
Michelle Bucur, president of the Milk Drunk Foundation, highlighted the unique challenges their shelter faces, as they specialize in caring for animals with special needs. “We do tube feeding and bottle feeding. We do a lot of special needs animals, mostly ones that are born with anomalies like missing eyes, missing limbs, or issues with their organs,” she explained. Shelters like Milk Drunk play a vital role in providing long-term care for animals who require more attention than typical shelters can offer, especially in the wake of a disaster.
The cooperative effort between these organizations demonstrates the resilience and dedication of the animal rescue community. By working together, they ensure that no animal is left behind, even in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
Community Support and Future Needs
Despite the success of their rescue missions, shelters like Saving Sage now face a new challenge: sustaining the care for the influx of rescued animals. With more than 80 new cats and kittens under their care, resources are stretched thin. Michelle Reichler, a director at Saving Sage, emphasized the urgent need for community support. “We spend more than $5,000 a month just on food, so I know that cat and kitten food is going to be at a premium right now,” she said.
Reichler also encouraged people to consider adopting or fostering animals as a way to help. By adopting a local animal, space is freed up for more animals in need, allowing shelters to continue their life-saving work. Fostering, in particular, offers immediate assistance, providing animals with a temporary, loving environment while they await permanent homes. “For anyone who’s ever thought about fostering or learning about it, it’s a rewarding way to make a direct impact,” Reichler added. “You’re helping rescues and animals everywhere.”
How to Get Involved
The need for donations, volunteers, and fosters remains high in the wake of Hurricane Helene. To support the rescue efforts, people can visit the Saving Sage website to donate money or supplies, volunteer their time, or learn more about adoption and fostering opportunities. With community support, shelters like Saving Sage and Milk Drunk can continue their vital work of rescuing and rehabilitating animals affected by the storm. In these trying times, the compassion and generosity of volunteers and local shelters serve as a reminder that even in the face of disaster, there is hope for every life touched by the storm.
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