MOBILE, Ala. - Mobile Animal Services achieved a historic milestone by emptying its shelter of dogs for the first time as Hurricane Isaias approached the Gulf Coast. In preparation for the storm, the shelter issued an urgent call for foster homes to temporarily shelter dogs.
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Martin Miller, a volunteer at the shelter, played a crucial role in mobilizing the community. He made a post before the storm, urging people to help, emphasizing that even getting 20 dogs into safe homes would be significant. Ultimately, 135 animals were relocated, with 22 dogs sent to the Birmingham Humane Society for permanent adoption. About 20 were adopted directly by foster families, while another 20 remain in temporary homes.
Miller described the scene as extraordinary, noting that the lobby was bustling with people throughout the day. "Every minute of the day, there was 10 people, 20 people waiting in the lobby. It was just unbelievable," he said. By the end of the operation, every dog had been placed in a foster home, leaving the facility completely empty before the storm struck. Miller recounted the surreal experience of standing in the normally chaotic environment, now silent and empty.
Robert Bryant, the director of Animal Services, praised the community's support and highlighted the significance of this achievement. "We’ve had amazing support from our community, and we completely emptied our shelter of dogs that have been in our care for the last several months. The timing couldn’t be better as we prepare to open the new animal shelter next summer, and having a lower number makes that transition much smoother," he said.
Since the evacuation, 43 dogs have returned to the shelter, but Animal Services confirmed that none were brought back as a direct result of the hurricane.