From Dec. 1 through mid-January, the town shelter waived all pet adoption fees as part of an Orphans of the Storm adoption program. Residents who adopted dogs or cats could have them spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies and microchipped, all at no charge.

“So many of these animals were living in the homes of loving families until Hurricane Sandy hit our township, destroying homes and forcing some residents to relocate,” said Iacopella. “These lovable cats and dogs, given the opportunity, will be excellent pets for neighbors who choose to adopt.”

Feeding hungry animals

After the storm, the town shelter and North Shore Animal League America distributed cat and dog food, water and other pet supplies to residents in hard-hit areas such as Oceanside, Baldwin, Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Seaford, Island Park, Barnum Island, Harbor Isle and East Rockaway — which became a learning experience for a few teen volunteers from Syosset’s MercyFirst Residential Treatment Center, who came to hand out food.

East Rockaway resident Janine Wayar, a mother of three and the owner of two cats and a dog, came to the mobile unit for pet food. After the hurricane, she feared that, in the chaos, she would go “shopping for the kids but forget the dog.” Of course, she explained, the pets are important to everyone in the family, so making sure they were well cared for helped her “feel like a good mom.”

All of the supplies at the Long Beach Humane Society’s Kitty Cove were destroyed in the storm, so Jennifer Ryley, of North Baldwin, picked up food from the Animal League. She said that adopting a pet is so important in times like these — not only do animals need us, but we need them. “People could use a little furry thing to make them feel better,” Ryley said.

Realizing that the journey to recovery is a multifaceted story with no end in sight, the Heralds are chronicling all aspects of the rebuilding effort in a series of weekly articles with a common theme, South Shore Rising.

 

PET OWNERS: BE PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY

Before a storm
n Keep your pet’s vaccinations current and paperwork easily accessible.
n Use a collar with proper identification and rabies tag.
n Make a list of potential pet refuges in the event of emergency: shelters, veterinary clinics, friends and relatives.
n Make a list of pet-friendly hotels and motels.
n Assemble an emergency pet supply kit in a waterproof container. It should include copies of your pet’s veterinary history, including medical conditions, vaccination information and any current prescription medications; a sturdy, comfortable carrier or crate large enough to accommodate your pet for several days (be sure it can stand and turn around in it); and a three- to five-day supply of food and water, including bowls and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.
n Bring your pet inside well before the storm begins. Never leave it chained outside.

During a storm
Animals can become frightened by unfamiliar noises. Keeping a pet within sight when possible will reassure it.
Never tranquilize a pet. It will inhibit its natural survival instincts to escape potential danger.
After a storm
Help reorient your pet to its home territory by walking it on a leash. It may be confused if landmarks and familiar scents are altered.
Contact your local animal control office if a pet is missing, to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring a picture of your pet, or a microchip number.
n Don’t allow your pet to drink water or eat food that may be contaminated.
n Animals can become aggressive or defensive after a disaster. Monitor your pet’s behavior and contact your veterinarian if it does not subside.
n Spay or neuter your pet so it won’t add to the stray-animal population if it is lost for any period of time.

 

Realizing that the journey to recovery is a multifaceted story with no end in sight, the Heralds are chronicling all aspects of the rebuilding effort in a series of weekly articles with a common theme, South Shore Rising.