After recent storms impacted animal shelters in Texas, HSSW took in 19 dogs from the Lone Star State
VANCOUVER – In the aftermath of recent storms, Texas animal shelters are seeking to repair damages and resume crucial operations. The Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) – along with an outpouring of community support – is helping to make that happen. Yesterday, HSSW received 19 dogs from the Texas area and sent back a load of community-donated supplies.
“People in the Pacific Northwest commonly welcome multiple dogs into their homes, which means demand for dogs is often greater than the number available for adoption. With COVID-19, that demand only escalated,” explains Megan Dennis, vice president and director of shelter operations. “This is another meaningful element to our partnership. Not only are we able to bring dogs to the Pacific Northwest from overburdened shelters, but we can also send back stockpiles of essential supplies as a way to support them.”
Despite power outages, water shortages and freezing temperatures, Texas animal shelters had to maintain constant care of the dogs and cats that rely on them. In some cases, shelters temporarily housed additional animals when families were displaced from their homes. Responding to these needs placed incredible strain on the shelters and depleted their supplies.
To help with the relief effort, HSSW posted a call for supplies on social media, and word-of-mouth increased the outreach. Over nine days of collection, dog and cat food, litter, blankets, cleaning supplies, and treats for the Texas animals lined the lobby of HSSW. The nonprofit organization Tall Tails Rescue & Transport brought the Texas-area dogs to HSSW yesterday and is back on the road to distribute the donations among its Texas partners.
“These supplies are more important than ever because people in these communities face their own personal recovery efforts,” says Kay Wlodarek of the volunteer-run Tall Tails Rescue & Transport. “And it’s always rewarding to bring dogs to Southwest Washington, where I know they will find loving homes.”
The 19 dogs HSSW received include:
- 6 puppies from Dallas DogRRR,
- 7 adult dogs from Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter,
- 2 adults and 2 senior dogs from Louisiana-based Natchitoches Hope for Paws, and
- 2 adult dogs recovered from Tall Tails Rescue & Transport.
While HSSW receives animals from Texas and Louisiana on a semi-regular basis, it has an established history of taking in shelter animals to alleviate the strain on Southern shelters during storms, floods and hurricanes.
“Our community responded in such a generous way to help Texas shelters,” says Dennis. “We’re excited to see these dogs find new homes and are so grateful for the amazing community we have here.”
