HOUSTON — It’s been three weeks since Beryl slammed the Houston area as a Category 1 hurricane and caused extensive damage.
The Houston Humane Society is still trying to recover from the natural disaster while caring for hundreds of homeless animals.
“Even before the storm, we were operating at full capacity,” shelter director Aaron Grady said. “So, now we're really having to triage, you know, the pets coming in and trying to find more creative ways to get pets out."
Beryl left behind quite a bit of damage at the Humane Society's southwest Houston property, including uprooted trees, downed fences and shattered glass. They also have water damage in the adoption center.
“A lot of significant damage throughout the property, primarily to our dog play yard area,” Grady told us.
Part of the fence in the play yard was damaged and renovations that started before the storm are now on pause.
“We were providing artificial turf in the area, as well as trying to upgrade the shade structure,” Grady said.
He said the play area is especially important for animals that have been abused or neglected.
“Pets who come in through animal cruelty, that can give them the mental and physical enrichment that they have not seen prior to coming in, to make sure that they are given the best chance for adoptability,” Grady explained.
It’s not just the animals feeling the effects of Beryl.
A portable building was brought in a few months ago to add more space for employees but after Beryl hit, the AC units broke.
“The temperatures were rising, the humidity was rising and so just trying to do whatever we can to make the space more comfortable," Grady said.
Now, employees are sharing spaces while the shelter tries to raise enough money to make repairs.
“When we get a wrench kind of thrown into the plans, we figure it out,” Grady said.
The Humane Society hopes to raise at least $30,000 for the repairs. If you'd like to help, you can donate online.
Despite the challenges, over 300 animals at the shelter were kept safe during and after the storm thanks to dedicated employees and a backup generator.
For more on how to foster or volunteer at Houston Humane Society, visit www.houstonhumane.org.
