How to help families impacted by tornadoes care for their pets

Many pets were displaced in the aftermath of the tornadoes that rolled through the Delta last week.

The City of Rolling Fork was left in ruins after a series of tornadoes came through. In addition to homes and businesses, South Delta Animal Rescue and Veterinary Clinic is gone.

Seven dogs were inside the shelter and everyone was sure they were gone, but then, a whimpering was heard from the crushed debris. South Delta Animal Rescue Board Member Alex Frisbee said, “We took out flashlights and we’re looking through the trees, and the first dog that we found was Flounder. She’s a female. She has three legs. Just the sweetest dog and she was extremely happy to see us, as you can imagine. ”

All seven dogs were located alive and adopted out. Their will to live encourages South Delta to keep going.

They have helped reunite families with their lost pets in the wake of disaster. “You’re trying to figure out how to fix your life with the possessions that you lost and that’s gonna happen, but it’s, you know, it’s hard to replace that pet. It’s hard to replace that animal, you can’t just buy another one.”

The Humane Society is lending a helping paw by collecting donations so families can care for their pets as they begin to rebuild. HSSM Development Director Katie King said, “We’ve been collecting donations on behalf of all those affected by the tornadoes. We’ve been collecting pet food, dog and cat dry food, wet food. We’re also collecting blankets, towels, leashes, collars, anything that could benefit those in need right now.”

You can drop off donations at HSSM in Gulfport from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also visit South Delta Animal Rescue on Facebook and donate so they can continue to provide care to pets.