Helping Pets and People When Disaster Strikes

By Liz Baker, Executive Director, GreaterGood.org 

2017 and 2018 have been the most destructive natural disaster years in the U.S. in recent history. The unprecedented barrage of hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires displaced countless people and animals.

Many disaster victims lost everything, and many were injured. Shelter pets in these disasters are helpless and rely on the bravery and strength of responders to keep them safe and cared for until they can find their forever homes.

As our tagline says, GreaterGood.org is “there when it matters,” and that means doing everything in our power to help those affected in times of disaster. I’m proud to be a part of a community that cares, and with your help does great things. So, as we approach the holiday season and I reflect on what I am thankful for, I can say confidently: I am thankful for you. 

The Wag! community has stood by our side through each one of these disasters, and our impact proves that your actions matter. It’s amazing to partner with a company like Wag! that believes with every walk, a hungry shelter pet should be fed. Through our Rescue Bank program, we’ve fed over 5 million pets with Wag! and your direct donations during times of disaster have made it possible for us to help thousands more.   

Because of you, Rescue Bank was able to provide food and emergency supplies to pets in Texas and Florida. We shipped emergency containers of food to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, feeding rescue pets and resident’s family pets when the stores were closed and food ran out. 

Because of you, we were able to provide additional supplies like backup generators, food and medical supplies. You literally kept the lights on at animal shelters caring for an influx of pets during the unprecedented wildfire season this year in California, and your support continues to help communities in northern and southern California. The picture at the top of this article is of a pet food delivery this past summer in Clear Lake, Calif., for animals affected by destructive Northern California wildfires.

Because of you, we were able to send medical supplies and food for pets affected by Hurricanes Florence and Michael, and the funding we saved on those efforts allowed us to transport hundreds of pets in danger to safety, support search and rescue teams, and more. 

So, when you schedule a walk with Wag!, think of those truckloads of critically needed supplies GreaterGood.org moves across the country to help pets and the people who care for them. Every walk matters, especially in times of disaster. Each walk not only benefits your dog, but it also pays it forward to have real, tangible impact in the lives of shelter dogs who need our help.

Thank you for being there when it matters.