Rescues From The Bahamas Arrive At East End-Based Animal Shelters

A group of dogs rescued from Hurricane Dorian’s disastrous aftermath in the Bahamas have made their way to Long Island. Before the storm hit, Chella Phillips, a woman from Nassau, Bahamas that runs Voiceless Dogs, heroically opened the doors of her home to 97 dogs, providing refuge and a safe spot to wait out the devastating hurricane.

Many of those dogs were then transported to Florida with help from Guardians of Rescue. Then, some of the pups made their way north, where Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) in Wainscott took in 14 of the rescues, Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton has four of the rescues, and Jake’s Rescue Ranch in Nassau County welcomed two of the rescues.

“Kent Animal Shelter partnered with the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons and other rescues to provide a lifeline to the victims of Hurricane Dorian. They will be provided with medical care and eventually placed in permanent homes during the coming weeks,” said Pam Green, Director of the Kent Animal Shelter.

ARF and Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs coordinated the final leg of the animals’ journey. Once again, ARF joined forces with the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (PAART), who they also worked with in 2018, to secure a cargo jet to transport the pups. The Irving and Phyllis Millstein Foundation for Animal Welfare also provided assistance.

Dogs arrive at Francis S. Gabreski Airport. (Courtesy Photo)

“ARF tries to help where we can, when we can – wherever there is a need,” Jamie Berger, Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Inc. Director of Marketing & Communications, noted. “So when we were contacted about Chella (Phillips) down in the Bahamas, we knew we needed to do our part.”

The dogs, which are called Potcakes – a mixed-breed dog type found on several Caribbean islands – will need to be medically cleared before being made available for adoption.

“These dogs from the Bahamas have been through so much over the last week or so. All are now safe and settling in with us nicely!” Kimberly Reilly, Kent Spay/Neuter Clinic Manager, relayed. “They are available for adoption here at Kent. Please stop in and visit us! We are open 7 days a week from 10-4.”

The new ARFans range in age from 6-months to 10-years-old. Kent rescues include Louise, a 2-year-old Hound mix, Faye, 3-year-old Carolina dog, Dahee, a 1-year-old Hound/Lab mix, and Jilly Bear, 1-year-old Lab mix.

“It was a group effort,” Berger shared. “There were many rescue groups involved to help these dogs make their way from the Bahamas to Long Island.”

Dogs arrive at Francis S. Gabreski Airport. (Courtesy Photo)

“We anticipate that more help will be needed in the coming weeks,” Green added.

In addition to looking for homes for the Hurricane Dorian rescues, Kent Animal Shelter is focused on their “No Place Like Home” 50th Anniversary Party on Saturday, September 28 at the Cherry Creek Woods Golf Club restaurant, Stonewall’s. Taking place from 6 to 10 p.m., the evening will include appetizers, buffet dinner, live music and dancing, a Chinese auction including silent auction by GoCharity, raffles, and some Wizard of Oz theme fun. All proceeds benefit the Kent Animal Shelter’s 2019 Rescue Fund.

While ARF is presenting Tailgating, a cat & dog adoption event, at Tanger 2 in Riverhead (near West Elm & Pottery Barn) on Saturday, September 28, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For more information about Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, visit arfhamptons.org. For more information about Kent Animal Shelter, visit www.kentanimalshelter.com.