Storm Troopers- May the Fur Be with You!

Storm Troopers- May the Fur Be with You!

Hurricane Dorian has hit, and it has hit hard. But before Dorian made its ugly appearance, the Jacksonville Humane Society prepared ahead of time and placed the animals in their shelter in temporary homes. They managed to place these animals, almost 250, in homes in less than a week thanks to foster families called Storm Troopers.

Storm Troopers are best known as Darth Vader’s servants with terrible aim. But to Florida’s Jacksonville Humane Society, these Storm Troopers are amazing volunteers who are heroes. The Storm Trooper program was activated August 31 in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. These volunteers were needed until September 6 once Dorian has dissipated. The shelter managed to get a great majority of the animals out. Two dogs that were quarantined for biting, some nursing cats and their kittens and a few medical patients stayed behind with the shelters skeleton crew.

“The JHS Storm Trooper program allows families to bring home dogs, cats, and kittens for sleepovers during severe weather. Families serve as ‘Storm Troopers’ and host one of our adoptable dogs or cats for a temporary sleepover. This is a great opportunity for our pets to be with a family inside a warm home instead of in a shelter kennel during the winds and rain,” the shelter said.

A Few Perks

Calling in the Storm Troopers is nothing new for the shelter. They have seen their fair share of hurricanes and developed some experience over the years since starting the program. This program not only provides these animals a safe, calm place to endure the store but also gives the shelter some insight about the animals and how they adjust to their short-term foster homes.

 “Spending time with families gives us a wealth of information that we cannot gather in the shelter. We often do not know if our pets are good with other animals, comfortable around children, enjoy going to car rides, like trips to the beach, are fully house-trained, etc. However – a foster family can provide that information! It helps the pets find new homes upon their return much faster than before,” JHS said of short-term foster situations.

Having an empty shelter, for the time being, leaves room for displaced animals during the storm and room for neighboring shelters who are at capacity. Another wonderful thing about this program is the possibility of volunteers falling in love with the animal which can lead to a permanent home.

All Storm Troopers will be provided with all the materials for their foster pets like food, leashes, litter for the kitties, and crates, all free of charge when they pick up the pet from the shelter. You can learn more about the program and how to become a Storm Trooper on the Jacksonville Humane Society page.

How to Protect Your Pet During a Storm

While we may never experience a hurricane in the Big Country, we do have our fair share of storms and tornadoes that can be devastating. There are ways to protect your pet during an emergency. The ASPCA has a few tips to help you prepare for a thunderstorm or tornado.

• Shelter- During severe storms, it may be best to take shelter in a basement or small interior room like a bathroom. Make sure pets are acquainted with—and comfortable in—that area of your house and will go there with you easily if need be.
• Poisons- Make sure the shelter inside your home is free of dangers for pets. Many people keep pest poisons in the same basement where they may be sheltering during the storm. Unfortunately, pets are very good at finding baits and many are all too eager to eat it.
• Anxiety- Many pets have storm or firework anxiety and may be prescribed medications to help them cope. Remind clients that it’s always best to give pets a dose of the medication prior to a storm to see how he or she will react—and pets should always get trial runs of medication during periods when the veterinarian is available in case questions arise.
• Evacuation- Among the items your clients should have handy are leashes and/or carriers, food, medication, and water. Pet owners should know where favorite hiding places are for pets so they can be easily found during emergencies.
• First Aid- Help your clients keep pets safe by sharing this easy DIY pet first-aid kit.

A Huge Thanks

No one should brave a storm alone, especially your pets. And thanks to this shelters program, these foster animals won’t have too. Following these tips can keep you and your pet safe and together.

Taxi My Pet gives a huge shout out to the Jacksonville Humane Society for their genius program and those who volunteer. While we don’t offer a foster program, we do provide safe and reliable pet transport in Abilene. We can pick up and drop off your pet to their veterinarian appointment, groomer, boarding facility, or your office. You can view our hours and policy at www.taximypet.com or call 325-386-7600 to book their ride.