Locals take ‘paws’ to help others

The effects of hurricanes wreak havoc on all aspects of life: animals are no exception. In the midst of the chaos that follows a natural disaster, animals living in shelters or in houses can be forgotten or put into situations of dire need.

In addition, shelters in affected areas can be severely damaged or even destroyed, leaving many animals without food, shelter, or care.

A local non-profit organization called Louie’s Legacy, has rescued animals from areas devastated by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma by bringing them to Cincinnati in hopes of finding them new forever homes.

Many of these cats and dogs are already available for adoption, however some require important medical care–a priority before adoption.

Louie’s Legacy operates by having individuals foster animals until a suitable applicant adopts the new pet. They showcase the animals at various pet stores in Cincinnati every weekend.

Individuals interested in adopting or fostering animals must fill out a detailed application in order to ensure that the pets are in best interests and that the new family is a perfect match.

The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Cincinnati also brought animals from areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Irma to be adopted locally.

The organization held an adoption event at its Sharonville location, at which all 28 of the hurricane-displaced pets available found their new forever homes. The remaining seven will be ready as soon as their health allows.

Both organizations heavily rely on volunteer work from individuals, including students in high school.

Students who are interested in becoming a part of either of these organizations can find more information online, using the codes below.