Little Traverse Bay Humane Society rescue teams help animals impacted by Hurricane Helene

HARBOR SPRINGS — Two teams of animal rescuers from the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society traveled to North Carolina and Tennessee to support animal relief efforts following Hurricane Helene.

According to the shelter, their director of operations Sarah Schertel deployed to North Carolina in partnership with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) on Oct. 4. As an Animal Search and Rescue (ASAR) qualified swift water responder, Schertel was invited to assist in search and rescue efforts as well as community aid.

“I’m thankful to have the incredible opportunity to respond with the ASPCA and help with rescue efforts in North Carolina,” Schertel said in a press release. “I truly love sharing our LTBHS values with other communities and this experience was no exception. I’m proud to say we succeeded in keeping pets and their people together, we provided resources for all species in need, and I’m glad to have made such an impact in another community who so desperately needed it.”

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LTBHS Executive Director Elise Ramsey, director of development Jessica Mendezona and training and behavior specialist Emilee Hrbcek traveled to Knoxville on Oct. 7 in partnership with Bissell Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident Management (AIM) initiative. This was the first time that AIM has deployed a team to a natural disaster.

The team worked to medically clear and prepare 122 dogs and cats for air transport out of the affected areas and into shelters in New York, Virginia, Michigan and Wisconsin.

According to USA Today, deaths associated with Hurricane Helene have risen above 220. The storm devastated large swaths of the southeastern U.S., with damage costs estimated to surpass $30 billion. Relief efforts are still underway, with communities across the country rallying to send aid and donations.

LTBHS will be taking in around 30 dogs, cats and kittens from shelters in hurricane-affected areas on Oct. 15. They welcome interest and support from fosters, volunteers and adopters to help with the effort.

For more information, ltbhs.com or call (231) 347-2396.

— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Bay Humane Society rescue teams help animals impacted by Hurricane Helene