NDSU Extension Office Takes In Minot`s Displaced Pets 2011/06/29 at 11:47 am
It`s not only people who are being affected by the flood, but animals as well. The NDSU extension office is now being used to house animals that have been dropped off by flood victims.
The flood has led to the evacuation of 11,000 people. Lots of these people have had to go to shelters. The problem is the shelters don`t allow animals. Luckily, there is help.
Dogs, cats — hundreds of animals have been brought to the NDSU extension office over the course of this flood. All 560 of the animals are being taken care of by workers and volunteers. They`re working multiple shifts walking the animals, feeding them and making sure this feels like home.
We`re just thankful we`re able to be here and give them love that they normally feel at home, so we`re kind of their second family right now, said Souris Valley Animal Shelter Director Susan Wagers.
The NDSU office was converted to an animal shelter at the start of the flood. And volunteers say they just couldn`t imagine what it felt like to leave their animals with someone they didn`t know.
They were scared. They were sad. They were uncertain about what was going happen to them if they left their animals. It`s just tough, added said volunteer Jackie Basaraba.
A lot of the animals here are scared and confused, but the workers at the shelter are trying to treat each of these animals like another member of their family.
Basaraba said: I would live in my car if I could. I don`t think I could do it. I watched the people last week when they cried when they left, and I think they did it as a last resort. I can`t conceive leaving them your animals. They`re a part of your family.
It`s why these animals are receiving so much care.
Animal lovers have been dropping off water, bedding and food throughout the week. Someone even donated a trailer. But the real question: how long can NDSU take care of these animals?
People may not be able to get back to their homes for a long time and each requires lots of care.
That`s the million dollar question. I just know we`ll be here as long as the animals need us. If it`s a month or two months, we`ll be there for them until the last one goes home, said Wagers.
The extension office says in order to continue their care of the animals they need people to step up and donate. You can donate online at the Souris Valley Animal Shelter website.
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