Hurricane Dorian literally obliterated many areas of the Bahamas while causing catastrophic flooding. At least 40 people have died. Tragically, that number is expected to increase a lot.
Here are some of the ways you can help the dogs who survived this record-breaking disaster by helping the shelters, rescues and nonprofit organizations that are caring for them.
Humane Society of Grand Bahama
More than 100 dogs and cats lost their lives at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama (HSGB) when over five feet of water came rushing into the shelter. But thanks to the heroic efforts of six staff members who remained there — with the water up to their necks — more than 150 pets miraculously survived.
Among the survivors was a dog who the staff found in an upstairs bathroom, sitting on debris, two days after the storm. “The owner has been contacted and cried with gratitude to hear the news,” the HSGB reported on its Facebook page.
The HSGB is planning to have all the survivors airlifted to shelters in the United States.
HOW TO HELP
Make a cash donation to the Save the Potcakes Bahamas online fundraiser. This is the only GoFundMe fundraiser sanctioned by the HSGB.
Make a donation to the Kohn Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the HSGB.
Voiceless Dogs of Nassau
Graciela “Chella” Phillips, founder of The Voiceless Dogs of Nassau and truly an angel on Earth, made news headlines by taking nearly 100 stray dogs into her home as Dorian was approaching. They all survived.
“I am just an animal lover,” Phillips told the Miami Herald. Her goal was to raise $20,000 online to help care for the dogs. As of Sept. 7, people inspired by her compassion have donated over $276,000 — or 1,383% of that goal.
HOW TO HELP
Make a cash donation to The Voiceless Dogs of Pawtcake Refuge online fundraiser.
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
Founded 50 years ago, the nonprofit International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) improves conditions for animals, people and the environment. IFAW’s disaster response team has been deployed to the Bahamas “to provide on-the-ground support to communities and wildlife and reunite families with their pets,” according to its Facebook page.
The HSGB reports on its Facebook page today that IFAW is assisting the shelter “with care for the animals and to give some of the shelter staff a much-needed reprieve.”
HOW TO HELP
Make a donation on the IFAW website.
Greater Good
This nonprofit is also on the ground in the Bahamas, helping people and pets. Before Dorian struck, Greater Good’s disaster response team shipped more than 500 crates to the Bahamas from its partner, The Animal Rescue Site, so animals could be evacuated before the hurricane or relocated to the United States afterward.
HOW TO HELP
Make a donation on the GreaterGood.org website. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is currently matching each donation dollar for dollar, up to $10,000.
Photo: Chella Phillips/Facebook
If you know of another shelter, rescue or nonprofit organization in need of donations to help to care for Bahamas dogs, please leave a comment and I’ll add it to this story.