The Scoop | May 2018

4 THE SCOOP Mission Continues in Puerto Rico
mission continues
in puerto rico
AHS HELPS MORE FAMILIES REUNITE
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The situation for animals and their families in Puerto Rico
remains challenging more than six months after Hurricane
Maria devastated the island. That is why the Austin Humane
Society has once again partnered with Puerto Rico Animal
Unite, JPB Foundation, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center,
and others working to get more animals reunited with their
families on the mainland.
Our first mission took place in February when 31 dogs and cats
were flown from the island to Austin where AHS helped reunite
them with loved ones who were anxiously waiting.
Just a few weeks ago, AHS President and CEO Frances Jonon
traveled to Puerto Rico to be a part of the effort to reunite animals
with their families for the second time.
Aika and her 2 siblings were reunited with their family
“We were honored to be working side by side in Puerto Rico with
local groups, as well as shelter experts and volunteers from across
the country, to support the effort of reuniting families along with
relocating homeless animals to the mainland. The collaborations
and partnerships being built in Puerto Rico will be critical in moving
positive progress forward on the island.”
Jonon then escorted 16 dogs and cats, plus one very social
rabbit, on the flight to Austin. Again, our team was there to
transport the animals from the airport to the shelter where
they were reunited with their families – many of whom they
had not seen in months!
Families are overwhelmed with joy
Jonon also brought back 14 dogs and puppies who had been
living in damaged shelters on the island. Puerto Rico has over
350,000 stray dogs and 1 million stray cats to contend with;
Hurricane Maria burdened an already complex and severe problem.
“Although the problems in Puerto Rico are big, the passion
of the partnerships in Puerto Rico is bigger. The collaborative
energy and enthusiasm is inspiring!”
The Austin Humane Society will continue to aid in disaster
response whenever called upon. For more information on our
disaster relief efforts, please visit
austinhumanesociety.org/disaster-response.
Mauro and Hanna are finally reunited with their family