The animals will undergo examinations and treatment at PAWS Chicago’s medical center so they can be put up for adoption.
Thirty-one animals left homeless by the recent Oklahoma storms arrived in Chicago Friday morning.
PAWS Chicago volunteers and medical staff rescued the pets Thursday to ease overcrowding at the Humane Society of Cherokee County, Fort Gibson Animal Control and other Oklahoma rescues affected by the storms.
“These dogs were left homeless and unloved. It’s part of our mission as an organization to respond and help animals in need, not just in Chicago but around the country,” said Paula Fasseas, founder and executive chair of PAWS Chicago.
More animals, both dogs and cats, are expected arrive later Friday.
The animals will undergo thorough examinations and treatment at PAWS Chicago’s medical center so they can be put up for adoption.
Volunteers received word early Wednesday morning that help was needed at Oklahoma animal rescue shelters who partner with PAWS Chicago.
The group left hours later and drove the two rescue vans for 12 hours. Two medical staff members from PAWS Chicago flew to Oklahoma late Wednesday evening to join the rescue drivers.
The PAWS Chicago team met the animals Thursday and provided preliminary medical examinations and care so the animals could comfortably make the 15-hour journey to Chicago.
PAWS Chicago has conducted several rescue missions after major disasters, including after Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Irma, said Stacy Price, PAWS Chicago’s director of animal operations.
