Pinellas Rescue Group Takes In 111 Dogs, Cats From Puerto Rico

PALM HARBOR, FL — Looking for a new furry friend to join your home? Well you can have your pick of the litter as more than 100 cats, dogs, kittens and puppies were rescued from hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico by the Suncoast Animal League in Palm Harbor this week.

The 111 furry critters were moved from the U.S. territory Tuesday and have been kept in crates in a warehouse donated for use by the owners of Creative Sign Designs. Cats of all shapes and sizes can be seen in videos posted to the organization's Facebook page this week. White and black, siamese and calico, and tabbies too, just to name a few.

"They're very friendly. Everybody's so sweet and so nice," worker Rick Chaboudy said in one video posted Wednesday. "They love being on camera," he said.

Some of the cats were also being medically evaluated Thursday evening, he said. Groomers were doing nail trimmings, too, on both dogs and cats.

Chaboudy said Thursday evening that all the dogs had been vetted — more than 70 — and bathed. Just six tested positive for heartworms and they will receive treatment. Heartworm is a potentially deadly disease caused by a blood-borne parasite.

One dog contracted non-contagious pneumonia and must undergo treatment.

Volunteers set up a small, fenced-off play area in the warehouse to see which dogs get along with others. Several volunteers have spent at least one night with the animals, including volunteer M.J., who said that while the dogs were a bit restless the first night, they've been pretty quiet for the most part ever since. She moved a cot into the warehouse so she could sleep there every night.

One of the rescued dogs, a new mother who had a couple puppies but couldn't stand because she was hit by a car, can now stand, he said.

"We're very happy about that," Chaboudy said.

While some love to play with fellow canines — or humans — others not so much. Onyx, who resembles a black schnauzer, wanted "nothing to do with us" Chaboudy said, but eventually warmed up to people.

"He's playing with us now and having a good time," he said."I think all of them are really and truly enjoying themselves."

While the agency rescued quite a few floppy-eared little dogs, the agency has some older dogs too. Breeds vary widely and include chihuahuas and labs. Every dog was washed their first night in the warehouse.

"The first night it didn't smell so good," he said.

Many dogs have also come out of their shells, he said.

"We haven't found an aggressive one in the bunch. That says a lot about the people in Puerto Rico working in the shelters."

Chaboudy added:

"We're proud that we were able to help them and we're proud to know them. And these dogs are an example of their dedication."

Someone came forward and donated about $175,000 in planes, he said. A lot of things had to come together for this to happen. Many volunteers had to take off work to be with the animals — it's an all day affair, 10 hours to 12 hours a day taking care of them.

Many cages were donated or bought with donated dollars. More than $5,100 worth of medical supplies was bought for the animals, too — the organization's largest single order ever.

A veterinarian was scheduled to visit Saturday and help the agency with some of the things beyond its capabilities The agency will then start deciding which will be able to be fostered or adopted out. Nov. 11 the dogs will be available for dogtoberfest — 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Highlander Park in Dunedin.

"It's coming along," Chaboudy said.

The nonprofit, no-kill animal welfare agency takes in both domestic animals and wildlife.

Patch has reached out to the organization for photos and will update.

Photo credit: Pixabay