Here’s a happy story ahead of the storm. Yesterday, Arlington-based Lucky Dog Animal Rescue orchestrated an evacuation of more than 50 homeless dogs and cats from two shelters in Hertford County, North Carolina, and Florence, South Carolina, transporting them to Dogma Bakery in Shirlington and into the hands of a waiting cadre of foster families. Two dogs were adopted upon arrival.
In total, the rescue operation included 44 dogs and nine cats, including some kittens as young as three weeks old and puppies 7 weeks old.
Their journey wasn’t without drama. Roughly 90 minutes into the trip north, the transport van’s alternator broke, leaving the animals and their driver stranded at a gas station on I-95.
Responding to a call for help on social media, more than 55 good Samaritans descended on the gas station and temporarily moved the animals into air-conditioned cars while waiting for a new ride. Army volunteers brought water. Another rescue group—Looney’s K9 Rescue Transport—arrived with backup transportation to drive the pets the rest of the way north. Another generous supporter paid to replace the original van’s alternator so it could get back to South Carolina.
“We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers for making these transports possible,” Lucky Dog founder and executive director Mirah Horowitz said in a statement. “These evacuations are saving the lives of animals that have nowhere else to go. Animals in shelters that could flood…[but] because of the amazing efforts of our volunteers, will be safe and dry tonight.”
The majority of the animals are now with foster families and looking for forever homes. All of the dogs will be available for adoption this Sunday, Sept. 16, from 12-2 p.m. at PetSmart in Gaithersburg (218 Kentlands Blvd). The kittens will be available for adoption at 8 weeks.
Since its founding in 2009, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue has rescued more than 13,000 animals. Interested in fostering, sponsoring or adopting a dog or cat? Email info@luckydoganimalrescue.org or visit www.luckydoganimalrescue.org/donate.
We will continue to post updates on local efforts to support hurricane victims (human, canine and feline) and recovery operations, and how you can help, in the weeks ahead.