CULTIVATING COMPASSION
worst when they lost sight of the pup. The tears of joy that erupted when the dog walked into the shelter and saw her family was a sight to behold. Whenever you congregate sheltering of animals, disease preven- tion and control is paramount. Understandably, most survivors were not able to escape with their veterinary records, and some guardians shared that their animals were overdue for vaccines. So, local veteri- narians came to the rescue, vaccinating all animals free of charge; they also addressed any issues the owners, or we, had. Over the next several weeks, working through the state, local veterinarians held clinics and also came out for some critical care concerns. The Western Agricultural Center became the hub of animal re- sponse activities in the region. In addition to our sheltering operation, other NARSC partners arrived with large animal rescue trailers. They worked with the State to perform assessments and animal rescue in the field for the dozens of affected counties (several of these groups had also worked in Florida and Georgia before arriving in North Car - olina). NARSC partner, ASPCA, also set up a distribution warehouse where pet goods could be stored and then distributed to the impacted communities as needed. IFAW and NARSC partner Red Rover also worked with the State to set up another human shelter that would ac- cept animals out of the impacted zone to the east in Salisbury, NC. IFAW and its colleagues in NARSC are well coordinated in their roles to prepare, respond, and recover from disasters. We work to- gether year-round to imagine worst-case scenarios, prepare for them, and adapt plans to respond in real time. As a US resident, it gives me a sense of comfort knowing how hard these planners work, and how much they care about their state and its residents — humans and non-humans alike. Climate-related disasters are happening more often and with great- er severity. I would be remiss not to remind everyone that individuals have a responsibility to plan and prepare for disasters, too, includ- ing for their own animals. Lists for evacuating with your companions can be found on many websites, including FEMA and IFAW. Knowing how you will contain them, what to bring, and where you may go will increase your odds of surviving a disaster with your family intact. All told, IFAW sent teams of responders to Asheville for three weeks before North Carolina staffed the shelter with animal welfare and oth - er groups and state animal control officers. It was difficult for me to leave this Asheville response. Responders often feel conflicted when leaving where they’ve served — we are eager to get home to our loved ones, but we also feel so invested and care so much for those we’ve served. I still think of the amazing survivors — heroes — I met and got to know. I wonder where they will end up and how they will cope with the changes. My heart aches for them still. I left with four little six-week old kittens that a brave survivor saved when they left their home. They let me bring the kittens to the Ani- mal Welfare League of Alexandria, VA, so they would have a second chance at adoption. The entire litter was named for the storm and a few of its affected areas: Helene, Swan (Swannanoa), River (River Arts District), Ashe (Asheville), and Marshall. These feisty felines will grow and prosper. I know it will be a long recovery for Western North Carolina and the other areas impacted by Helene, but I am confident these regions and their residents will recover and prosper as well. I look forward to heading back. Kelly Johnston is a Program Officer at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) where she has worked since 2011. Originally from Fairfax County, VA, and a graduate of University of Virginia, she has deployed around the globe assisting communities with their animals post disaster. She still lives in the DMV with her own small pack of animals and supplies to evacuate with them all if need be. Cam MacQueen, MSW, is the creator and manager of the Cultivating Compassion Col - umn. She moved to Asheville a decade ago and lives with her beloved, 11-year-old adopted Pomeranian, Coco. Cam can be reached at ncm.advocacy@gmail.com.
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