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Rescue Waggin’ Makes Emergency Stop to Transfer Indiana Pets to Wisconsin

PHOENIX, AZ, JUNE 9, 2009 -- Recent rain and flooding in Indiana has left more pets facing homelessness than usual, leaving a small animal shelter like the Morgan County Humane Society in Martinsville, Indiana, with a potentially dire situation: What do they do with the pets already in the shelter as dogs and cats impacted by the rains come pouring through the doors?

Fortunately, they don’t have to euthanize them, thanks to an emergency transport arranged by PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin’ this weekend.

The Rescue Waggin’ made an emergency stop at the Morgan County Humane Society on Sunday to pick up 26 shelter dogs, freeing up valuable kennel space for the pets suddenly left homeless from the recent rains and floods. According to PetSmart Charities, the dogs were transferred to the Wisconsin Humane Society in Milwaukee, WI, “an organization willing and able to help smaller shelters during times of crisis,” says Susana Della Maddalena, executive director for PetSmart Charities.

            “Because pets suddenly orphaned from the rains could belong to someone in the community, it’s imperative they stay in the community,” says Maddalena. “By arranging for the Rescue Waggin’ to pick up and transfer dogs already at the shelter, we’re helping make space at Morgan County Humane Society for the influx of these additional homeless pets.”
            PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin’ is a unique transport program that moves dogs from shelters with high euthanasia to shelters where adoptable dogs are more in demand. Since 2004, more than 21,000 dogs have received this life-saving ride to shelters where they are guaranteed a new home. But the Rescue Waggin’ is also available for emergency transports in their regions of operation, which include the Northeast, Midwest, and Great Plains regions of the United States. Even though the Rescue Waggin’ already makes a monthly stop at the Morgan County Humane Society as well as other small shelters in Indiana, the Rescue Waggin’s emergency transport this weekend saved the lives of pets that might otherwise have had to be euthanized.