Lakewood Ranch rescue takes animals from St. Croix

A group of animals stranded after Hurricane Maria have made their way from St. Croix to East County.

In partnership with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue on Thursday, Oct. 26 received 24 dogs and cats displaced by the hurricane and will prepare them for adoption.

“We are thrilled to be in a position to help so many dogs and cats whose lives were turned upside down by Hurricane Maria,” said Karen Slomba, associate director of Nate’s, in a release. “It is our goal to give them the love and care they deserve in the wake of this tragedy that left them without a home or family.”

The ASPCA has had the animals under its care since the storm until transporting them to Nate’s Oct. 26.

Slomba said the animals will be checked for illnesses and quarantined for two weeks. After they are deemed healthy, they will be made available for adoption.

“We had nine puppies in this group that are absolutely adorable,” Slomba said. “They are all medium- to small-sized dogs with very nice temperaments.”

Nate’s, along with the Humane Society of Broward County and the Humane Society of Vero Beach, are taking 51 animals in total from the ASPCA.