On Sunday, April 27, 2014, tornadoes ripped through central Arkansas. Many communities were leveled, including Mayflower and Vilonia. As we waited out the storms, our team packed bags to deploy if called. On Monday, we drove to Vilonia to support the Faulkner County SPCA, who was trying to help find, treat and reunite animals with their owners. This time it was humans searching for scared animals among rubble—a daunting task.
As the week went on, we were able to help reunite five dog families, extricate one badly injured dog from beneath a house, search collapsed houses for other missing animals, assisted in emergency field care of horses and dogs, and identified hospitalized or homeless pet owners whose dogs were left behind and made sure their animals would receive care. We were able to work with the American Humane Association’s Red Star Emergency Response team and watch true heroes in action.
It was an emotional week; sometimes chaotic and heartbreaking, but ever hopeful. People immediately began work to clean, donate, support and rebuild. Flags flew everywhere. The human spirit is strong, and as always, we were grateful for the chance to show love and care to our neighbors.
As the week went on, we were able to help reunite five dog families, extricate one badly injured dog from beneath a house, search collapsed houses for other missing animals, assisted in emergency field care of horses and dogs, and identified hospitalized or homeless pet owners whose dogs were left behind and made sure their animals would receive care. We were able to work with the American Humane Association’s Red Star Emergency Response team and watch true heroes in action.
It was an emotional week; sometimes chaotic and heartbreaking, but ever hopeful. People immediately began work to clean, donate, support and rebuild. Flags flew everywhere. The human spirit is strong, and as always, we were grateful for the chance to show love and care to our neighbors.
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