MUSKEGON, Mich. — While the south is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida Wednesday night. Many West Michigan organizations have been jumping in to help those affected, some even heading down to help in Florida ahead of the arrival of Milton.
Muskegon animal shelter Noah Project is looking for people willing to foster pets who were displaced after Hurricane Helene, and potentially pets who will be displaced by the incoming Hurricane Milton.
Mashele Arndt, Noah Project's Executive Director, said that so far they know they have at least 35 dogs looking for homes and even more cats.
Arndt said they expect the first arrivals to come in later this week from North Carolina and Tennessee. She expects another run in the next two weeks with pets from Florida in the aftermath of Milton.
Sam Wilburn, Noah Project's shelter manager, said these pets have already been through trauma and the journey to Michigan can add to that.
"Some of them are in very bad shape," said Wilburn. "Getting here, they will be shaking, scared. It just takes a couple days to get them calmed down."
People who offer to foster pets will also receive supplies to care for them such as food and cat litter.
"We're seeking more fosters for those dogs and cats, along with supplies that will go with that," said Arndt.
Noah Project has also been helping areas affected by Hurricane Helene by sending down food and supplies. Some of those supplies include pet food. Arndt said the pet food meant a lot to pet owners trying to take care of their furry friends in the aftermath.
"They were so excited that the foods that their dogs and cats were on were available for them," she said.
She also explained that many of the areas affected by these hurricanes won't be able to get food for their pets for potentially months, so they really can't receive too many donations.
Arndt said the impact of being able to help the people and pets affected by the hurricane is huge, and anything the community can do to help makes a difference.
A difference that's personal to Arndt as well.
"It means so much to know that we're helping so many people that, that can't take care of their pets or find them," she said. "It's very rewarding to see that and to help others."
While Arndt said they've already had people signing up to foster some of the displaced pets and donate money or supplies, they still need more.
One thing the shelter is in need of is a new van, as Arndt said the brakes went out on the old one. She explained they knew they would need a new one soon, but they were hoping to put it off until after the new year.
Noah Project relies on the van to get all pets to vet appointments, and they were relying on it to pick up some of the displaced pets this week. Now, they're looking to get it fixed or find another option before then.
For information on donating you can visit their website here.