Stormy (and pals) find a safe haven here – September 15, 2005

Stormy (and pals) find a safe haven here

Thursday, September 15, 2005

By Rebecca Jones Staff Writer

Rescuers picked the name Stormy for a dog found on a rooftop in the hurricane-ravaged South. He’s among 16 dogs and 16 cats looking for new homes in Michigan.

Last weekend, six local volunteers rescued as many of the abandoned animals as they could from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Upon their return Tuesday, doctors and technicians at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services in Bloomfield Township vaccinated the animals and assessed their health before releasing them to adoption groups.

“These were all healthy animals. They all seem to be socialized,” said clinic owner Dr. Lucy Henney as she handled a purring gray kitten.

One litter of nine 4-month-old puppies – possibly a shepherd-Labrador-rottweiler mix – returned without their mother who is now being treated at an emergency clinic in Alabama.

“They’re a little malnourished. They seem to be in good health,” said Larry Stone of Clarkston, who made the trip. “They’re kind of the forgotten casualty of the tragedy.”

Matt Schaecher of Plymouth, a volunteer with the Animal Care Network, says that animals in those conditions form packs, posing a danger to relief workers.

Families can become foster caretakers while the pets await permanent placement.

“We’re not in a hurry. We just want to get the right home for the right animal,” said Marie Skladd, president of the Michigan Animal Adoption Network, which spearheaded the rescue effort. Skladd will lead a second crew, departing tomorrow. They hope to return with up to 50 pets.

“They don’t have a choice. They need us to help them,” said Michelle Stone of Clarkston.

Anyone interested in adopting or becoming a foster caretaker can call the Michigan Animal Adoption Network at (248) 545-5055 or Michigan Animal Rescue League at (248) 335-9290.

People can also donate food and other supplies at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, 1400 Telegraph Road south of Orchard Lake Road, open 24 hours a day.
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