RedRover Responders Deploy Twice Cross-Country for Animals in Need
February 26th, 2024
By Devon Krusko, Field Services and Community Programs Manager and Beth Gammie, Director of Field Services
January 2024 – Oklahoma Animal Rescue
For our first deployment of 2024 we worked with our esteemed colleagues at the Humane Society of the United States to provide daily care for over 70 animals, including dogs, cats, and a few smallie friends, rescued from an alleged cruelty case in Kansas.
Our RedRover Responders volunteers arrived at the confidential sheltering location for the animals the afternoon of their seizure. We helped to put the final touches on the temporary emergency sheltering set-up, making sure the cat spaces had all of the amenities like cardboard scratchers and new toys, and that the dog kennels were cozy with soft bedding and fresh water. A quick shopping trip brought timothy hay, fresh veggies, and enrichment for two rats, and a guinea pig.
The animals arrived late in the evening, and we waited with anticipation for the headlights that would signal their safe arrival. One by one, they were unloaded with care and settled into clean spaces, happy to receive affection, a comfy bed, and dinner.
In the coming days of our week-long deployment, we would be privileged to see them blossom! The dogs played with new toys, did incredibly silly zoomies in an exercise area, and explored the fresh air in a safe enclosed outdoor yard. The cats cuddled up for snuggles and found pure joy in catnip, and the rats enjoyed the simple pleasure of creating a new clean burrow.
February 2024 – Franklin County, Florida Coastal Cats TNVR
Six RedRover Responders volunteers traveled to Franklin County, Florida in mid-February to help with our latest Coastal Cats Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) project. It was yet another successful event meant to help humanely control free-roaming community cat populations in coastal areas where they are vulnerable to hurricanes and storm surge.
Teams made up of volunteers from RedRover, Operation Catnip, and SGI Cat Allies humanely trapped 145 cats over two days. The shelter team cared for them at a temporary shelter before and after surgery, and then the cats were returned to the exact location where they were trapped.
In addition to being spayed/neutered, the cats were vaccinated, treated for worms and fleas, and received an ear tip on the left ear – signifying that they have been sterilized. Additionally, a number of cats received additional veterinary care to treat wounds and injuries.
The days were long and grueling – several were 15+ hour days, with lots of physical work. But we all came away hugely satisfied knowing that the 82 spayed female cats no longer had to support endless litters of kittens throughout their lives, and that they would be happier and healthier as a result. Neutering the males also helps keep down the overpopulation, and the neutered males engage in less fighting and spraying. The vaccinations will protect them against rabies and other diseases, keeping all these cats healthier. Caregivers for the cats, who kindly feed them, also won’t be overwhelmed with an increasing number of cats.
For both of our first deployments of 2024, the RedRover Responders team is forever grateful to play a role in supporting these sweetest souls on their journey to a new life!
