Shelter Me: Providence Animal Center

MEDIA, Pa. (WPVI) -- In this week's Shelter Me report, we meet some animals displaced by Hurricane Harvey that are receiving assistance at the Providence Animal Center in Media, Delaware County.

"The four pit bulls that we took, they were in three-to-four-foot water for three days before help arrived," said Kristy Thompson, a volunteer at the center.

"A lot of people weren't prepared for this massive flooding to happen," said Providence Animal Center Director of Operations Dayna Villa.

The center got the call for help - to transport and take in 37 dogs and cats - straight from the impact zone in southeastern Texas.

"All the pets we took were in shelters prior to when the hurricane came," said Villa. "The shelter became a place they could not stay because it was not habitable."

With the help of the community they acquired a van, loaded it with supplies and set off in the night.

"We were initially supposed to meet them at 1 a.m., then it got pushed back to 4 p.m..." said center staff member Marissa Giangiordamo.

"It was emotional, overwhelming for all of us," said Thompson.

But the transfer went smoothly.

"After sitting in a crate for 20 hours, anybody would be cranky, but they were just so nice," said Giangiordamo.

The Delaware County crew gave the animals food, water and walks and then transferred them to new crates for the 11-hour journey back to their new home in Media.

"This one was probably the loudest one," said Giangiordamo, motioning to a lively Pomeranian that will up for adoption soon.

"She was an 'owner surrender', approximately 10-12 years old," Thompson explained.

"This is Kitty Purry, one of our Texas babies," said Villa, showing off a young cat. "She's a female and about a year old."

A pit bull named Cooper "fell asleep with us in the bed we had in the back of the van," said Providence's Veterinary Receptionist, Chelsea Dugan. "He was real good the whole way."

And finally there's Pinkie, a Chihuahua mix rescued from the flood zone.

She loves soft places to nap and would enjoy a quiet home.

If you're interested in any of the animals featured in this report, you can visit the Providence Animal Center website.

And, if you'd like us to share your shelter success stories, post a picture to the FYI Philly Facebook page using #6abcshelterme and tell us where you adopted your pet and how much they mean to you.

We'll be featuring your stories on upcoming Shelter Me segments.

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