Helping Pets and their People in Northeast Louisiana
May 3rd, 2024
By Simone Bundang, Marketing Manager
My first deployment with the RedRover Responders team was our PAWS of NE LA event. RedRover provided funds and assistance in a drive-thru clinic in North East Louisiana. Our small, but mighty team worked with a local group, PAWS of Northeast Louisiana, to help more than 480 cats and dogs access vaccines and supplies at no cost.
Being part of this deployment was truly eye-opening because I saw firsthand how needed these services were for the local pets. Each day there were cars lined up even before the event began. I also got to interview several community members and they let me know how important and how meaningful this clinic was for them and their pets. From the grateful smiles of pet owners to the wagging tails of their beloved companions, every moment reaffirmed the importance of our mission.
The deployment ran like clockwork, with the goal to make our operations more efficient and timely since our very first deployment together with PAWS of NE LA last year. Learning from our past experiences really made the event easy. I spent most of my time taking photos of the event to help with RedRover’s marketing and content collection. From the volunteers to the veterinary staff, everybody had their role and it all went down very smoothly. I felt very lucky to have been a part of such a smooth deployment with our Field Services and Community Programs Manager Devon at the helm as Team Lead. But that’s also one of the benefits: the variety of work and roles we get to experience with the RedRover Responders team.
One thing that stood out during this experience was the diverse backgrounds of the volunteers. Many work, or have retired from different fields, but we are all united with our love for animals. All the RedRover Responders volunteers who came to the deployment have been a part of numerous other events and brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Regardless of where you come from, RedRover covers a portion of travel expenses, enabling individuals from all over the country to volunteer. It was inspiring to see volunteers from states like Oregon, Texas, California, and Vermont along with the local PAWS of NE LA volunteer group coming together to help pets and their people in need.
Other highlights of my deployment were visiting a dog rescue where RedRover helped fund a dedicated space built for survivors’ pets, and a local farm with rescued animals. The rescue had so many wonderful animals and the cutest puppies. It really showed the need for spay and neuter education and animal adoption. The farm had a variety of animals that I was able to meet: goats, pigs, horses, cows, and more. It was so much fun exploring the grounds and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Reflecting on my first deployment, I feel immense gratitude to be part of RedRover. Working alongside dedicated volunteers and witnessing the impact of our efforts has really touched me. I look forward to going on future deployments, knowing that each event helps us with our mission: bringing animals and their people from crisis to care.
