Awww, Hurricane Ike's Tiny Bushy-Tailed Victims Need Help

PetSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:05 -0700

It's not just pets that need help in the aftermath of recent hurricanes, over 1,000 baby squirrels are undergoing care in what's best described as a "squirrel neonatal unit". The Houston SPCA still receives 20 to 30 lil ones each day, causing these creatures to far outnumber all of the other animals there.

We’re feeding them puppy formula every three hours. . . . We’ve had a pelican and a couple of seagulls, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the squirrels, said Sharon Schmalz, executive director of the society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, who explained that this was the height of squirrel birthing season in Texas.

The orphans – many less than three inches long – are hand fed via these nipple-tipped syringes and will remain in the care of volunteers until they reach 12 weeks old. They will then be re-released into their natural habitats, places like rural areas outside city limits or tree-filled suburbs, with newfound strength to frolic freely and leap from limb to limb.

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How You Can Help Furry Victims of Hurricane Ike . . .

PetSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:00:08 -0700

Thankfully, there were improved plans in place before the recent hurricanes hit, but I'm reminded that plenty of pets still need help in the storms' aftermath. Shelters including the Houston Humane Society and the Galveston Island Humane Society are working around the clock to photograph all the arriving animals to help keep track of the pets, and locate their owners. Much of the area is still without running water, electricity or gas . . . but the stray and injured animals keep on coming!

In addition to accepting monetary donations online, if you're local to these areas (or any place affected by the storms), don't be shy about stopping in to volunteer or bring by some much-appreciated goods. To see the items on the shelter's wish list, read more.

Towels
Batteries (especially 9 volt)
Crates of ALL sizes
Tarps
Bungee Cords
Bottled Water
Cat Litter
King Size Kong toys for dogs
Rabbit Food - Timothy Hay pellets or Timothy Hay
Small TVs with built in VCR/DVD
Soft Chewable Dog Treats
Current Key Maps
Disposable Rubber Gloves
Digital Cameras
8- and 12-Inch Cable Ties (50 lb strength)
Newspapers
Food for Hamsters, Rats, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets, and Gerbils
Halters - small and medium size
Fly Spray and Masks
Thrush Medicine
Mucking Forks/rakes

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