EDGEWATER — A Chicago animal shelter is stepping up to help the stranded four-legged victims of Hurricane Harvey, which has ripped through Texas this week.
Felines & Canines, 6379 N. Paulina St. in Edgewater, has pledged to take in 100 cats who have been displaced by disastrous flood waters and expect the first transport to arrive some time between Friday and Monday, with more groups to follow.
The animal rescue recently acquired an 8,000-square-foot facility in Alabama and said it had been monitoring relief efforts in Texas, which has left huge swaths of both residents and animals trapped, stranded and without shelter or necessary resources.
"After a number of conversations with people on the ground in Texas, we were informed that countless groups have offered their help for the dogs, but the cats are in much more of a desperate need for rescue assistance," the organization announced Wednesday. "Our goal is to help where help is needed most, so we are stepping up for the cats of Texas."
When the cats arrive, many of which will be adults and seniors, they will need an array of medical care, such as spay/neutering and dental work.
But in order to so, they'll need the help of the public.
Officials with the shelter said they could not yet anticipate what the costs would be, but that the mission would likely result in a "significant strain on our limited financial resources."
To curb the expenses, the shelter is asking for help from the public in the form of donations.
The group's Alabama facility is also being made available to animal rescue groups who may need a resting place between transports or a temporary holding facility.
"By working together as a nation, we will help Texas get through this," wrote Executive Director Abby Smith. "Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy."
