Once again, I am crying at work as I write because this is tugging at my heartstrings as a fellow horse owner. If only you could put livestock in the back of your car as easily as a dog. During any natural disaster, it's always heartbreaking to see dogs abandoned, family pets swept up in the midst of the storm, and other beloved animals separated from their owners. Hurricane Milton is preparing to make landfall, and the Category 5 hurricane will reportedly bring
once-in-a-century damage to the state. As state officials have encouraged tenants to evacuate, many citizens are packing up as much of their belongings as possible and leaving their homes, preparing to return to destroyed property. While people are fleeing, some horrible pet owners are leaving their dogs and cats in their homes, leaving them to fend for themselves. State officials have already begun
rescuing abandoned animals, and it makes your blood boil. However, dogs and cats are only a small portion of the pets the storm might affect. A Florida woman shared a heartbreaking video of her marking her horses with paint markers, filling their bodies with her phone number so they can be contacted if found outside of the farm. The video has struck a chord with animal lovers across the internet, gaining over 12 million views in 24 hours. Many livestock owners will open their animals' pens before a natural disaster as that is the best chance of survival. While many owners who can't find accommodations in the stress of evacuating know that this is the animal's best chance of survival, that does not make it easier knowing that you might not cross their path again.
"Please keep our families and fur babies in your prayers." The user said in the video's caption. She also gave the camera a good look at her horses in case someone were to find them later. As a horse owner, I can't imagine how heartbreaking it is to do this. I cried watching this and thought about being in this woman's shoes. It would be unbearable.
Viewers filled the comments section, showing empathy toward the woman and wishing those in the same boat as her strength as they prepare for the hurricane.
"This and the scientist crying on national TV hit me hard!!" "Y'all, this is my best friend. She would never leave them in the stalls. They will be out in the pasture so they can run. It’s their best chance of survival! That’s why we put our numbers on them." "I’ve been watching a lot of these videos about people preparing for Hurricane Milton, but this one hit me hard and made me cry. I always worry about the animals we as people have a little bit more." "I can’t imagine having to let my animals loose and praying that somehow we find our way back together. I’m so sorry." "I hope to see an update on your beautiful horses after. Untouched, not harmed & safe." "This BROKE me." "I'm in tears right now I can't even process what's about to take place all these poor animals." "This is so painful to watch I am so sorry I pray they will be okay." "I'm praying that every little baby will find their way back home." "I'm instantly crying as a horse owner. This is absolutely devastating." Prayers up for Florida.
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