Machel Arndt, executive director of the Noah Project, said so far at least 35 dogs are looking for homes and more cats are known to be on the way.
MUSKEGON, MI — While the South is still recovering from Hurricane Helen, Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida on Wednesday night. Many organizations in West Michigan have stepped up to help victims, with some heading to Florida ahead of Milton’s arrival.
Muskegon Animal Shelter The Noah Project is looking for people to foster homes for pets who were evacuated after Hurricane Helen and who may be evacuated by the upcoming Hurricane Milton.
Machel Arndt, executive director of the Noah Project, said so far at least 35 dogs are looking for homes and more cats are known to be on the way.
Arndt said he expects the first arrivals from North Carolina and Tennessee later this week. She expects to run again with her pet from Florida in the next two weeks in the aftermath of Milton.
Sam Wilburn, shelter manager at The Noah Project, said these pets have already experienced trauma, and flying could add to the trauma.
“Some of them are in very bad shape,” Wilburn said. “They’ll be shaking and scared when they get here. It will take a few days to calm down.”
People who apply to adopt a pet will also be provided with supplies needed to care for the pet, such as food and cat litter.
“We are looking for more homes for these dogs and cats and the supplies that go with it,” Arndt said.
The Noah Project is also helping by sending food and supplies to areas affected by Hurricane Helen. Some of those supplies include pet food. Arndt said the pet food will mean a lot to pet owners looking to care for their furry friends in the aftermath.
“They were so excited to be able to eat the food that their dogs and cats were eating,” she said.
She also explained that many of these hurricane-hit areas probably won’t have access to food for their pets for months, so they won’t actually be able to receive very many donations.
Arndt said the impact of being able to help people and pets affected by the hurricane is huge, and anything the community can do to help makes a difference.
This is also a personal difference for Arndt.
“It means so much to know that we are helping so many people who are unable to care for their pets or find their pets,” she said. “It’s very rewarding to see that and help others.”
Arndt said there are already people who have registered to foster pets of evacuees and donate money and supplies, but more people are still needed.
Arndt said the old van’s brakes were stuck and what the shelter needs is a new van. She explained that she knew she needed a new one soon, but wanted to put it off until after the new year.
The Noah Project uses a van to take all pets to veterinary appointments and this week used a van to pick up some of the evacuated pets. Now they are trying to fix it or find another option by then.
