Just weeks after returning from their Hurricane Florence rescue efforts, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue has begun work to help animals affected by Hurricane Michael.
“We’re working with shelters along the Florida panhandle to move adoptable animals to safety at shelters in Rhode Island and New York,” says Brother Wolf’s Director of Animal Care, Audrey Lodato. “By emptying those shelters, we’re helping to create room for animals who will be found in the field during and after the hurricane, with the hope of reuniting them with their families.”
Brother Wolf’s Rapid Response team has also deployed to Florida to assist with animal care and search and rescue efforts. “Our Rapid Response program provides rescue, support, and resources to animals in urgent, life-threatening situations,” Field Operations Manager, Eric Phelps, explains. “It’s common for our team to find animals left behind when their caretakers were forced to evacuate, cats on rooftops or in trees, or dogs tied to outdoor structures with no way to escape rising flood waters.”
“Unfortunately, as a result of climate change, we are seeing more and more of these powerful natural disasters. And according to scientific predictions, this is the new normal” says Denise Bitz, Founder and President of Brother Wolf. “It is sobering that this kind of disaster work is now routine for us. One of the reasons Brother Wolf advocates for folks to transition to a plant-based diet is that it is the most effective way for individuals to help mitigate climate change.”
Brother Wolf recently provided care and rescue to approximately 250 animals affected by Hurricane Florence in eastern North Carolina.
Disaster relief is some of the most expensive work Brother Wolf does and they wouldn’t be able to save at-risk animals without community support. If you’re able, please visit www.bwar.org/rapidresponse to make a monetary donation. Supplies such as wet and dry dog food, wet and dry cat food, cat litter, and airline crates may also be dropped off at Brother Wolf’s Adoption Center, located at 31 Glendale Avenue in Asheville.