Nine puppies from Texas, affected by severe flooding that has claimed at least 132 lives, have made their way to Paws Chicago on Wednesday, joining other rescue dogs already there.
They arrived via a flight at Waukesha Airport in Wisconsin and completed a three-hour drive to Chicago.
This is the second group of animals transported from Texas.
Austin Pets Alive has been actively working in flood-impacted regions since the disaster began.
These puppies were in a shelter before the floods hit, and organizers believe relocating them will allow local shelters to prioritize rescue and reunite pets with their owners.
“We’re really happy to be able to relieve some of the shelter pressure and create space for evacuated animals,” stated Celene Mielcarek, who oversees Program Operations at Paws Chicago.
Paws Chicago’s disaster relief efforts began in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, during which they rescued over 200 pets.
Since then, they’ve also helped animals from Hurricane Helen and rescued 33 dogs from a shelter in Houston following the storms last year.
Peter Brown, a volunteer at Paws, expressed his initial concerns about the journey but noted that the puppies calmed quickly. He’s optimistic that they will find loving homes soon.
“They’ll end up in good families,” he mentioned, adding that families who lost pets in the floods might be reunited with their dogs.
Earlier in the week, 22 dogs had arrived from Concho Valley Pause, a rescue organization based in San Angelo, Texas. In total, 31 dogs have now been brought to Chicago, ranging in age from six weeks to adults.
Upon arrival, the dogs received immediate medical attention, including vaccinations and microchipping, and some required spaying or neutering.
Paws anticipates they may soon be ready for adoption and fostering.
For now, though, they’re allowed some well-deserved rest. Mielcarek emphasized, “They’re all pretty tired. They’re ready for dinner.”
