Friends,

This is our Katrina . . . and even on a larger scale in terms of the scope of the disaster. American Humane, first to serve those in need, is now responding to the front lines in two states, Texas and Louisiana to help animal victims of Hurricane Harvey. Our disaster response memorandum of understanding with the State of Louisiana was activated yesterday, and we are now responsible for overseeing two mega-shelters with over 1,000 animals who have been displaced due to the storm. And as you may already know, American Humane is also stationed at the City of Orange Grove near Corpus Christi and The Woodlands/Montgomery County.

I spent my formative years growing up in Spring, Texas. I know well the neighborhoods that have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey’s wrath and have many friends still in the area. The neighborhood I grew up in was horribly flooded, with neighbors staying at the shelter at the Champions Forest First Baptist Church. Their stories, along with so many others, are of heartbreak, compassion, and perseverance. I am sure many of you also have friends and family in Harvey’s path, and have heard stories first-hand of the disaster.

I am so proud of our first responders who have put themselves in harm’s way to save animal lives. I am so proud our communications team, our legal team, and our philanthropy team – all of whom are working long hours to provide the resources needed to support our first responders on the ground in Texas and Louisiana. And I know that the entire American Humane community shares my concern for the families and the animals in Hurricane Harvey’s devastating path.

Today, we know how important it is in times of disaster to reunite families with their best friends, and to provide for the healing power of the human-animal bond. This is how we can help build a more humane world.

Please keep the families in Texas and Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Harvey and our American Humane first responders who are continually first to serve animals in crisis in your thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks.

All my best,

Robin