Mississippi update from Dr. Scholl
Now Playing: Email from Chickasaw Trail Animal Hospital
Topic: Katrina Relief
Dr. Scholl has been contacting our office throughout the course of her rescue mission via cell phone (when she has a decent signal). From what we understand the conditions in Mississippi are horrendous. What has been televised on the news does not do it justice.
Since Friday she and Yady have treated over 150 pets including dogs, cats, raccoons, an iguana, birds and as we spoke on the phone someone brought a goat to her. Almost all the pets they see are emaciated and dehydrated from either wandering the streets for ten days with no food and water or from being locked in a home where they sought refuge in the highest level possible (the attic in most cases) to get away from the water. They have all been subject to the "muck" on the ground and a good number are now suffering from skin conditions. Many are now infested with fleas and ticks. She has seen numerous wounds and even some fractured bones.
Dr. Scholl and Yady have set up a triage unit and have being basically running the rescue mission. They have had very little help and have decided to stay until Thursday as help is slowly coming in. She has put in requests to FEMA and the US Army for more veterinarians (or any at this point) and finally the Army is sending some vets today. She is determined to train the new staff coming in so operations will stay consistent and successful after she leaves.
Rescue groups from around the country are helping out in the rescue and rehabilitation of these poor animals. She has sent groups of 20 treated pets to rescues in Washington D.C., Louisiana, and Virginia to name a few.
Dr. Scholl is also bringing pets here to Orlando. Rescue groups and foster homes will keep the pets for 3 to 6 months, during which time they will try to reunite them with their original families. There is only a 2% chance that the original owners will locate their lost pets or even try to locate them. After the 3 to 6 month "foster" period ends each pet will be eligible for adoption to their foster family or a new loving home.
We already have one refugee who was relocated to Animal Hospital at Vista Lakes last night. We have named him "Mugsy". He is a pitbull mix who is as sweet as can be. He came a little hungry, tired, and hesitant but has already stolen our hearts. If anyone is interested in fostering him, please call Animal Hospital at Vista Lakes at 407-380-3011.
We can't thank everyone enough for all the items donated to this mission . Because of you & the vet assisting students of Westside Tech,and Vets & Pets, it has and will continue to be successful. They still have plenty of supplies due to the overwhelming support our clients and community have put forth. Keep Dr. Scholl and Yady in your prayers for a safe trip home.
Your friends at Chickasaw Trail Animal Hospital