Gratitude in Action: Help After Hurricanes

photos: SPCA Tampa Bay

When Hurricane Helene made landfall and the breadth and magnitude of the destruction became clear, I watched friends in North Carolina and Florida checking in with each other via social media or group chat, some with devastating updates. As Californians, we’re no strangers to natural disasters, and the feeling of helplessness that comes along with them, so much of this seemed sadly familiar.

In the aftermath of any disaster, there’s often a rush of attention: camera crews filming chaos and destruction and immediate responses from all directions. But when the dust settles - or in this case, the floodwaters recede - the long-term recovery work begins. The need for help doesn’t suddenly disappear when the cameras do.

That’s why, when our friends at SPCA Tampa Bay reached out to Marin Humane for help, I was grateful we were able to say “Yes!” Our team of five, made up of staff from different departments, quickly packed and traveled to Tampa Bay to support the organization’s recovery operations, in whatever way necessary.

When we arrived, fallen branches and debris were scattered everywhere. Wildlife, especially baby squirrels, had been displaced, and pets were being surrendered by people who had lost everything and simply could no longer provide for them in the chaos that followed the storms.

While the goal was to assist with the shelter’s operational needs, we soon realized that our presence meant so much more. We weren’t just helping with cleanup, pet food distributions, and animal care – we were helping their exhausted staff focus on serving the community while we took care of tasks that would have otherwise fallen by the wayside.

We cleared large branches and debris from the entire campus. And as we worked together, lifting and dragging heavy branches, my thoughts turned to the staff of the SPCA Tampa Bay, many of whom were personally affected by the hurricanes, but were still showing up every day to care for the animals.

One memorable task was setting up crates for a temporary overflow dog shelter, essential to accommodating the increased number of animals being surrendered day after day. Whether they had just arrived or had been there for a while, we walked the dogs, fed them treats, and played fetch with them in an enclosed play yard, giving the animals a much-needed break from their kennels and crates.

It’s easy to forget about wildlife in the midst of a disaster, but they’re just as affected as pets and people. Several times a day, I helped feed baby squirrels and other critters that had been stranded or displaced. Tending to these tiny, helpless creatures, I realized that they were survivors, too.

Being able to help after a disaster is a gift. It’s not glamorous and it doesn’t make headlines, but it’s vital. I’m thankful Marin Humane was able to play a part in that.

The recovery process is a marathon not a sprint. As we said our goodbyes to the staff at SPCA Tampa Bay, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of appreciation for them, for the work they continue to do every day even under the worst of circumstances.

This is why we do what we do – not just at Marin Humane – but in the animal welfare community at large. It’s about showing up for others even when the spotlight has faded. It’s about lending a hand when it's needed the most. And above all, it’s about doing the work with an open heart, knowing that even small gestures of support can contribute to a larger goal.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you. It’s about taking action. It’s about being there when it matters. And for that, I’m incredibly thankful.