A Friday morning plea from a North Florida shelter put things in motion as Hurricane Isaias headed for the Panhandle. Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue in Bradenton answered, taking in 22 dogs from two shelters up north. The move didn’t just protect those animals. It freed up space so another shelter could evacuate more dogs out of the storm’s direct line. That kind of coordination between shelters is a quiet but crucial part of hurricane season on the Suncoast, where we know all too well how quickly a forecast can change.
Several of the new arrivals are seniors, and some are being treated for medical needs including heartworm disease. The dogs traveled roughly 24 hours to get here, and a few came down with a doggie cold afterward. Medical director Michela Oglesby described the animals as the most vulnerable population, and the rescue’s team is giving them the time and care they need to recover.
The good news is that Nate’s Honor expects these dogs to be ready for adoption within one to two weeks. If you’ve been thinking about adding a dog to the family, or if you can foster or donate supplies, now is a great time to step up. Which one of these 22 second chances would you want to meet first?
