Photo Update from Hattiesburg, MS Rescue Site Sept 14, 2005

These photos were submitted by Micheal Gagliardo.

A gas station in Meridian, Mississippi. We were able to fill up here

The camp site across from the HSUS relief center where volunteers are camping out. The drop-off site for donated supplies - our pile is in the center, next to the man in the blue shirt. HSEC volunteers Devin Williams, unknown (white hat), Gerry Brattain (HSEC staff), Lisa Brackett The Spartanburg Humane Society loaned their animal transport vehicle to help with rescue operations. Inside one of the buildings, where hundreds of animals are kenneled. A volunteer walks one of the hundreds of dogs kenneled at the Hattiesburg facility. An indication of the military presence at the facility.

I traveled down to the HSUS facility in Hattiesburg on Wednesday with a load of supplies. The drive is 5 hours from Gadsden, and is not terribly difficult. The Mississippi Department of Transportation does have some of the interstate narrowed down to 1 lane as they work to clear downed trees, but other than that, and the usual traffic, the trip wasn't bad. Gas was actually cheaper in MS! We did stop at a place that was only serving rescue vehicles in Meridian, but there was plenty of gas to be found there at other stations.

I have attached some photographs of the Hattiesburg facility. It is massive, and the number of animals coming in is amazing. These animals are all coming in from the MS gulf coast, and not from New Orleans. Each animal coming in goes through a decontamination process, including a bath, vaccinations and a check up, scanning and microchipping, and many other needs. They are also photographed, and the pictures are uploaded immediately onto the petfinders.com web site. I am proud to report that our own Vicki Meeks was serving as the team leader for the intake facility, until, after whipping that into shape, she was promoted to assistant volunteer coordinator this morning!

We were hoping to take animals home with us to place into foster homes or to adopt out, but they did not quite have the system down yet. HSUS is working with the State Of MS, and they are being very particular about this process. Organizations who are going to sponsor foster programs should prepare their foster families to house the animals for a minimum of 30 days. Also, fostering organizations will be responsible for the cost involved in reuniting pets with their families, should they be identified. There is paperwork that must be completed. Please contact HSUS for this information. They are going to begin moving animals out soon.

There are so many supplies that people have donated - it's amazing! Right now the major needs are fans of any kind, extension cords, and items that can be used to keep the animals cool and hydrated. THEY DO NOT NEED FOOD! I was told that they were going to have to ship some food out - they just have too much. They do need volunteers, preferably trained vets, vet techs, and shelter workers. Little jobs like walking dogs and cleaning kennels are becoming overwhelming in some cases. Volunteers need to be mentally and physically tough, as the days are long, the heat is intense, and it can be very frustrating work. Volunteers are still camping, although I understand that they are now feeding the volunteers and they do have some places to stay. I would double check this in advance.

We will be making another trip down next week with supplies, and hopefully we will be returning with animals. HSUS hopes that there will no longer be a need for this facility by the end of October, but also says be prepared for the long haul. We need to keep reminding folks that the need will continue for quite some time.

Thanks, and please let me know what else we can do on this end to help!

Mike Gagliardo, President, Board Of Directors
Humane Society Of Etowah County