Community Corner
PAWS Volunteers Bringing Oklahoma Tornado's Pet Victims to Lincoln Park
Teams from the PAWS Adoption Center in Lincoln Park are Oklahoma-bound to rescue nearly 100 pets affected by this past week's deadly tornado.
More than 800 miles can't stop eager PAWS Chicago volunteers.
The local nonprofit organization flew its medical intake team and various willing helpers to Oklahoma late Thursday to alleviate some of the pressure on the Oklahoma City Animal Care & Control, which has taken in more than 150 more pets in the wake of a deadly tornado.
The twister ripped through 17 miles of Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing 24 people—10 of whom were children. It spent 40 minutes on the ground, according to reports.
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PAWS staff posted on Facebook Wednesday soliciting volunteers for everything from animal transport to teams at its Lincoln Park adoption center. They got 300 people to raise their hands, representatives said.
"The response for volunteers has been fantastic and we are currently working to assign and confirm all of our (them)," one said Thursday.
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On-scene helpers will begin work early Friday to bring 75 pets to the PAWS Chicago Adoption Center on Clybourn Avenue.
"We have been advised that some of the animals may require extensive medical care," the original post says. "All tornado victimized pets will remain at the shelter for 30 days to enable their families to find them. PAWS Chicago's efforts will make room for Oklahoma shelters to care for the influx of animals from this natural disaster."
Once in Chicago, all cats and dogs will be taken to the PAWS Chicago’s Rescue & Recovery Center where they will be given complete medical care, vaccinations, microchips and spay/neuter surgeries and many will be available for adoption on Memorial Day.
"For those who are sick or injured, we will provide them with the medical care they require and time in a loving foster home where they can recover," PAWS staff said. "Once medically cleared, each pet will be available for adoption at our Lincoln Park Adoption Center."
Other than hands, the shelter is looking for open hearts. About 50 foster homes will be needed to make room for the displaced pets that have medical conditions.
Those interested should e-mail foster@pawschicago.org or call 773-475-9464. The no-kill shelter is also seeking donations to help with the Oklahoma tragedy. Those interested in helping can follow this link.
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