Pets Alive rescues dogs in the path of Hurricane Harvey

MIDDLETOWN — As Hurricane Harvey continues to devastate parts of Texas and Louisiana, staff and volunteers from Pets Alive in Middletown have been preparing around the clock to take in dogs from the hurricane evacuation zone.
Fifty-three animals arrived at Pets Alive Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 29, as rescue workers drove the long hours to Orange County from the storm-tossed Gulf Coast.
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Ashville, N.C., has been working feverishly on a mass rescue of four coastal animal shelters. They are transporting the animals at most risk of flooding to the safety of animal shelters up north, and to make room for animals displaced, abandoned, or lost during the storm.
"Brother Wolf is extremely grateful to our northern partners for making this life-saving effort possible,” said Audrey Lodato, adoption center manager at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. “Without them, these animals might not have made it out."
Pets Alive worked in conjunction with several area rescue groups in Orange County, and was the staging area for the incoming dogs. Pets Alive accepted 19 dogs. The remaining animals will go to the Hudson Valley SPCA, Humane Society of Walden, Suruluna Animal Rescue in Pine Bush, and an animal rescue group in Vermont.
“We are happy to be able to assist in the disaster relief effort for these animals,” said Becky Tegze, Executive Director at Pets Alive. “In times of crisis, it's important that we all work together. That is how we make the biggest impact and save the most lives.”
Community's help neededAs Pets Alive welcomes the new dogs, they will need help from the community. Most of the 19 dogs will likely require vaccinations, microchips, and deworming, and some may require spay/neuter, treatment for flea dermatitis and parasites, and other medical conditions. At least three of the dogs are known to have heartworm, an often deadly disease if not treated. This will cost Pets Alive thousands of dollars, adding to an already stretched medical fund.
The community can help Pets Alive by making a monetary donation online (petsalive.org); or mailing a check to Pets Alive, 363 Derby Road, Middletown, NY 10940.
The community can also donate supplies including canned dog food (Pedigree is preferred), bleach, contractor garbage bags, three-pound paper trays, and blankets and linens. Supplies can be dropped off at Pets Alive daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or Kristt Company, 369 Broadway, Monticello, N.Y., between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can alternatively order from their Amazon wishlist and have items shipped to Pets Alive at the Middletown address.
Members of the community can also volunteer at Pets Alive, doing tasks like animal care, property maintenance, laundry, and fundraising. For more information email volunteer@petsalive.com.
The Hurricane Harvey dogs will be available for adoption in several weeks, depending on their condition. Pets Alive also has many animals available for immediate adoption listed on its website.
Pets Alive is a non-profit charity operating solely on individual donations, receiving no funding from the city or state. For more information call 845-386-9738.