Letter to the Editor:
Though the devastation of the recent flood was merciless, the caring hearts and helping hands of all the countless community volunteers was equally impressive. Friends, neighbors, and strangers all stepped up to help those in need. Those in need included the loved pets who were also displaced as were their owners.
The emergency shelter housed more than 50 dogs and cats, and a few ferrets, all of them displaced by the flood waters. Most of their owners were bunked down in the main part of the Black River Coliseum.
Many sincere thanks are due to all the folks who donated supplies, funds and time to care for dogs and cats housed in the emergency animal shelter operated jointly by the Animal Welfare Alliance and the Butler County Health Department. So many people came forward that it was impossible to get everyone's name to be able to thank them individually.
Our community gives thanks to the businesses and agencies who also participated: Petsway, PetCo, WalMart, Purina, Butler County Health Department, Poplar Bluff Animal Control, AmeriCorps, Black River Coliseum staff, and the Butler County Emergency Management Agency.
We are all grateful to live in a community that not only cares about its residents and their animals, but acts to help our community in a time of need. Thank you, each and every one.
Sincerely,
Nancy Abernathy
President, Animal
Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri