TAMPA, Fla. — A local animal rescue group based in Tampa, Mercy Full Project, got a call after Hurricane Ian from a man on Pine Island. He told the owner, Heydi Acuna, he lost everything and needed help caring for his dogs.
“When that man asked me I didn't hesitate,” said Acuna.
Acuna and a group of volunteers traveled hours by van and by boat to get to the area. They took the families' 12 dogs back with them to Tampa. They are being housed at Bay Paws Pet Resort.
“We were also very fortunate to partner with the vets and so they agreed to come out and help just do a mobile vet check up for them and get them up to speed on vaccinations as well,” said Christina Holtz, owner of Bay Paws Pet Resort.
The dogs will be returned to their owner once he gets back on his feet and finds a new home.
“Hopefully soon they will be reunited with their owner and its going to be very overwhelming to see them reunited and that’s just the best thing I can tell you,” said Acuna.
The group also rescued eight dogs from Tampa and four from Charlotte County after the storm. None of those dogs have microchips.
Acuna said they will wait 30 days to see if an owner comes forward looking for them. She also said volunteers check in with animal control and shelters regularly. If no one comes forward, then they will try to find the dogs a new forever home.
If you are interested in adopting an animal from Mercy Full Project, you can find more information on their website.