Broken Down Dogs rescues puppies from New Orleans

Warwick — After a timely rescue from a devastated neighborhood in the New Orleans area during Hurricane Katrina’s march through the Gulf Coast states, a pregnant German shepherd female was among hundreds of animals transported to Broken Down Dogs, an intermediate safe haven in Alexandria, La. The center has been trying to help less fortunate shelters find homes for their residents. It organizes convoys of transport vehicles carrying cats and dogs, operated by various private volunteer groups, to move these animals to other parts of the U.S. where they might find suitable homes. One of these volunteer groups, spearheaded by Warwick resident Debbie Smith, recently returned from the long trip from Alexandria with six, twelve-week-old Shepherd-mix puppies, born to the mom who was rescued back in September. Millie Williams drove the RV which housed the puppies during the long trip from Louisiana. Upon arrival in Warwick just a few days ago, Smith’s son, Darren Sukenikoff, helped with getting the pups established in their home while they prepared for their next stage of community integration. However, space in the Smith home is limited, and so are the funds necessary to care for groups of animals,- even on a temporary basis. That’s why these puppies and the other residents of shelters urgently need help. To learn more about the puppies, who are currently undergoing exams and wellness treatments with local vets, click on www.warwickinfo.net/brokendowndogs. To adopt one of them, or anther animal, or become a sponsor, call the Warwick Valley Humane Society and complete an application. A new “Guide to Adopting a Pet” can be downloaded from www.warwickinfo.net/animals-adoption.html.