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Rescue Efforts After Hurricane Helene: Saving Lives and Providing Relief

A recent rescue operation in North Carolina has highlighted the significant challenges faced by both people and pets affected by Hurricane Helene. Volunteers from the nonprofit organization Paws of War arrived in the region to assist those in dire need, particularly in areas severely impacted by flooding.

Niki Dawson, who serves as the director of animal welfare and logistics at Paws of War, played a vital role in the relief efforts. In a discussion, she revealed that while many evacuees were able to take their pets with them, those in smaller towns faced unexpected difficulties during the crisis. “Few pets and their owners survived,” she noted, emphasizing the devastating impact of the flood.

Among the animals rescued were four puppies, named Nova, Capone, Latte, and Cosmo, each approximately eight weeks old. Dawson explained that most animals encountered during the operation were with their families. The focus of the mission quickly shifted from search and rescue to providing essential supplies for both humans and pets. “We just tried to provide them with supplies for humans and supplies for the animals,” she stated.

One notable case involved a family from Asheville, North Carolina, who had welcomed a dog just eight weeks prior to the hurricane’s arrival. The dog gave birth to puppies shortly after joining the family, and following the storm, the family struggled to feed her and her litter. “They were feeding her chicken and steak, and she was living on human food,” Dawson explained, lamenting that the mother dog appeared to be malnourished and unable to care for her pups adequately.

Paws of War volunteers quickly stepped in to provide vital resources, including gas, pet food, and other necessary supplies. They also arranged to take the four puppies to ensure their safety, a decision that brought immense relief to the family, who had a military background. They expressed their gratitude, with one family member stating, “That tickles my heart,” reflecting on their pride in their veteran ancestry.

Dawson noted that the puppies’ mother had previously been said to be defensive around strangers, yet she greeted the volunteers warmly. “She ran right up to us and gave us kisses,” Dawson recalled, adding that it was an encouraging sign that the puppies would be placed in loving homes. “We were kind of patting ourselves on the back, saying, ‘She knows we’re going to take great care of her puppies and give them a wonderful home.’”

As the recovery efforts continue, Dawson expressed deep appreciation for the ability to support animals and their families in distress. The team at Paws of War plans to extend their relief work to assist those affected by the upcoming Hurricane Milton, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare in the face of natural disasters.

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