Dogs affected by oil spill get new home

NEW YORK - The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico had 94 unexpected victims. Most of the residents living along the US coast decided to give up their dogs after their livelihood was affected. But now all of them have found a new home.

The 94 dogs of different sizes and types were transported from Louisiana to an animal care centre in New Jersey.

Heather Cammisa, president of the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Centre, says the dogs are now available for viewing and possible adoption.

“It was like Christmas here. We are so happy to welcome them in New Jersey, though it is very sad for the reason that they need to come here. It was like a dog afternoon,” Heather was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) partnered with St. Hubert’s to help in the transfer.

“A lot of families at the Gulf coast were downsizing and the livelihood had been ruined. The uncertainty had caused people to give up their animals. So the increase in surrender and decrease in adoption made us want to help out,” said Heather.

Marie Baeyens, who drove to the centre with her four children, said she would love to adopt a dog from there.

“We all know what happened at the Gulf Coast. We think it is a great opportunity to help out this way,” said Marie.

Almost every dog here has its own story. Bill Haskel, on a visit to the shelter, took down notes of each dog introduced by the staff, because he wants to find a proper partner for his dog Paco, which was also adopted from a pet shelter.

“I found Joan quite compatible in terms of size and temperament. I am really a dog person and I am happy to be able to help out,” said Haskel.

St. Hubert’s has a very friendly adoption procedure. Visitors only need to fill out a form to tell something they are looking for, a couch potato dog, or a running partner, so the centre can help them find the right dogs for their homes.

The centre also does follow-up calls after the adoption is fulfilled. It has a dog training school and dog trainers call to see if they can help with any transitional issues someone may have in their homes.

St. Hubert’s has also started education programmes for children to help them learn kindness and compassion for all living creatures.

“We want to be here for these animals, for the rest of their lives,” said Cammisa.