Orphans of the Storm Shelter Lends a Helping Hand

by Olivia Wasilko

Thousands of homes were destroyed in the flooding of West Virginia last week, but the loss was not limited to humans.

Most of the animal shelters in the Nicholas and Greenbrier Counties were damaged beyond repair. With nowhere else to turn, many animals were relocated to distant warehouses and foster homes. Very few remain in their shelter homes.

The Orphans of the Storm Shelter in Kittanning did not hesitate to help, though. Since the disaster, the shelter has been fundraising and collecting supplies to take to the area.

Bethann Galbraith, one of the head volunteers at the no-kill shelter along Route 85, says that any donation that would help animals is greatly appreciated.

“We’re taking dog food, cat food, litter, canned food, paper towels, bleach, garbage bags, dog shampoo, collars and leashes, dishes, we’ll even take crates. Anything that pertains to animals,” she said.

You can find a complete wish list that is updated weekly on the shelter’s Facebook or Petfinder page.

Galbraith says that to maximize the amount of animals being accommodated, they are reaching out to shelters that might not be getting as many supplies as they need.

“We tried to get specific shelters that other places weren’t donating to yet because some shelters were getting everything and then there were some without anything. We have two rescue groups that we’re working with so that we know who needs supplies the most.”

Orphans of the Storm regularly provides and receives services with these particular shelters, so shipping the supplies won’t provide a challenge. Volunteers from both states have decided to meet halfway to create a shorter journey.

It is not as easy to spare supplies, however. With a recent outbreak of the distemper virus in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia, there isn’t much medical care to go around.

While distemper is mostly prevalent in southern states, Galbraith suspected that it is occurring in Armstrong County due to lack of proper vaccinations by pet owners.

“Vaccination is the key to keeping it under control and stopping it,” she said. She suggested that pet owners with a tight budget go to vaccination “clinics,” which provide service to many animals at once and are often cheaper than going to a veterinarian.

There are many local clinics to keep your pet healthy without breaking your budget. Orphans of the Storm has a rabies clinic twice a year as well as low-cost spaying/neutering, and Tractor Supply Co. in Kittanning has many more available vaccinations for animals of all kinds.

None of the animals at the shelter have displayed symptoms of the virus, but as of May it has been under an eight-week quarantine for cautionary measures. As long as all of the animals seem healthy, the shelter will be completely reopened on July 25th.

Some of the older pets are luckier because they have had all of their vaccinations. They are already on a waiting list to be adopted and can’t wait to get to their new homes after the quarantine. These pets will be allowed to leave starting next week.

Many of the other Orphans of the Storm residents are in perfect health, but are still waiting for a loving family to adopt them.

Rocket, a six-year-old Miniature Pinscher, has longed for a home almost since he was born. Because he has disc alignment issues in his neck, he needs a home without small children or big dogs that could jump on him and hurt his spine and with few stairs.

Besides this, he is the perfect pet for an adult who could take him on long walks with his harness.

Reggie is another dog with special needs. Born with cataracts, he is completely blind in one eye and has very little sight in the other. Reggie would do well in a home with a fenced-in yard for him to play in and another gentle dog to be his “seeing-eye” guide. Due to his medical problems, he requires occasional trips to a specialist and drops for his eyes every day. Although he is only nine months old, Reggie is ready to be adopted today. He is patiently waiting for a family that is able to care for him and love him.

Rocket and Reggie aren’t the only pets that want you to adopt them. Orphans of the Storm is always full of cats and dogs that have never had a permanent home. At the end of the quarantine, July 25th, every animal currently living there will be ready to go to their homes.

You can see what cats and dogs can be adopted on the Orphans of the Storm’s Facebook page or make an appointment to meet the pet you want to welcome into your home.

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