Aiken, SC: Recovery Continues After Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Local Animal Shelters
Hey there, fellow animal lovers! Just a month ago, the residents of Aiken, South Carolina, found themselves grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. While we often focus on the immediate effects of such storms on our homes and infrastructure, there’s another story unfolding that tugs at our heartstrings—the fate of our furry friends waiting for their forever homes.
Power Outages and Emotional Turmoil
Both the Aiken County Animal Shelter and the SPCA Albrecht Center faced a tough time as power outages plagued their facilities for over a week. Kathy Cagle, the Programs Coordinator for FOTAS at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, shared with us just how challenging this period has been. “It was really, I’m sure, traumatic being in their kennels and seeing everything occur and seeing everything flying around; it had to be really scary,” she expressed. It’s difficult to imagine how stressed and confused the animals must have felt during the storm, left in their kennels rattled by the chaos outside.
With the storm bringing numerous pets into shelters, many families found themselves separated from their beloved companions. “We have a dog here right now, Kenobe, he’s obviously someone’s pet that just did not have a chip,” Cagle mentioned. They are doing their best to reunite lost pets with their owners, utilizing local resources like Aiken Pets Reunited and posting all lost animals on the county website. If you’re missing a pet, they encourage you to check these platforms and send them a picture of your furry friend.
Challenges and Community Support
As if losing power wasn’t enough, both shelters lost all their vaccines, which is a big deal in animal care, and getting staff back to work proved to be a challenge, too. Allison LaBorde, the Shelter Manager for the SPCA Albrecht Center, revealed, “At first, it was limited staff who were able to arrive, and then it was just the not knowing when the power would come on; that was probably the hardest part.” However, in the midst of this chaos, the community stepped up in a big way. Residents offered their homes and hearts, fostering animals needing extra care and providing much-needed supplies.
“We got twenty-seven of our dogs into foster homes and eighty-six of our cats, which is a good portion of our animals,” LaBorde highlighted, gratefully noting how the community rallied together to support their shelter. The donations didn’t stop at just fosters; people brought in food, generators, and supplies for the animals. “It was a wonderful experience during a very dark time,” she added optimistically.
A Call to Adopt and Reunite
Now that the storm is behind us, the shelters are appealing to all of you out there—yes, you, reading this article! They truly need your help. The numbers of lost and abandoned pets continue to flow in, and both shelters are full. “We are still getting the strays, and we desperately need people to adopt these dogs,” Cagle implored. They have amazing dogs like Audrey, a housebroken and fabulous pooch, who are just waiting for their perfect match. The best part? There may be no fees necessary to adopt!
To assist in local reunions, staff also recommend checking out local missing pets Facebook groups. It’s a great way to see if your lost friend has been found. Plus, the SPCA is hosting a fantastic Yappy Hour event this Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring free animal adoptions. What better way to add a new member to your family than by attending a fun event, right?
Conclusion
As Aiken continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene, let us keep our furry friends in mind. By supporting local animal shelters and considering adoption, you’re not just gaining a new best friend; you’re giving an animal a second chance at life. So, gather your loved ones and make a trip to the shelter this weekend. They’re ready and waiting for you!
