KarunaNews Story

Just 11 days after Hurricane Helene slammed into Florida’s Gulf coast — and caused deadly flooding throughout Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and both Carolinas — Florida residents were bracing again for a new storm: Hurricane Milton. Ahead of Milton, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued evacuation orders for counties across Southwest Florida. In a race against time, staff from the Humane Society of Broward County headed out to assist their sister branch in Manatee County, which was preparing for a “direct hit.” As rescue animals continue to be evacuated from states impacted by Helene, northern shelters and rescues have been stepping up to help. In D.C. and Northern Virginia, a nonprofit and a kennel — Homeward Trails Animal Rescue and District Dogs — teamed up to take in over 100 animals. In a statement, executive director of Homeward Trails Sue Bell said: “As shelters across the country are filled to capacity, having safe, healthy space for our rescued animals to thrive while awaiting adoption is truly lifesaving.”