LSU students stepped in to help the Companion Animal Alliance Shelter prepare for Hurricane Francine when an Instagram post titled “Emergency Fosters Needed” was uploaded to the shelter’s account.
Within 48 hours of making the post, CAA announced that 255 animals had received temporary foster homes in the lead-up to the hurricane’s arrival.
One such volunteer that offered up their home was kinesiology senior Miranda Chodzko, who helped foster a dog named Max. Having no previous experience in foster care, she wanted to help.
“The most rewarding part was knowing that we could give him a happy home with lots of attention and help out the shelter during the storm,” Chodzko said.
With the storm initially forecasted to hit Baton Rouge directly, the shelter needed to make room for possible strays and civilians looking for shelter for their household pets. Students received the opportunity to foster the animals and provide comfort and care during the storm.
When Francine made landfall, there were only two dogs looking for foster homes, who were then swiftly put into foster care.
LSU students are no strangers to helping out around the shelter.
Mass communications junior Morgan Charles has been helping at CAA since February. This past week, she assisted in putting up posters for missing animals around Baton Rouge. When volunteering, she aims to provide companionship and care for the animals.
“The longer I have been there I have been more comfortable with the environment,” Charles said, “just trying to give the animals as much love and nurturing as possible.”
The shelter expressed their gratitude for the help from locals and students on their social media. The effort by all involved allowed for fosters to be returned back the following Tuesday, and for some to find their “fur-ever” homes.
This was not the first time the shelter called for help. Once asking for emergency fosters when there was below freezing temperatures in January.
Those looking to volunteer or foster an animal, either short- or long-term, can apply via CAA’s website.
The CAA is open throughout the week, with varying hours.