From Christopher Ashton
…know we greatly appreciate all your help.. Here is a small part of our story and thank you all — could not have made the trip without Support of our Community.
Thank you for all of your support in helping send Ginger Bryk of Yucaipa Animal Placement Society and Chris Ashton of Enlighten Dog Training, assisted by Redlands Animal Shelter to be able to go help join the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Texas. We drove a truck and horse trailer full of supplies to support rescued animals displaced by the hurricane. After a 30+ hour drive, that included us getting turned around at flooded roads and scavenging for gas, we arrived at our first stop in Brazoria County Fairgrounds in Angleton, TX. The crew at the fairgrounds welcomed us with open arms and started unloading the trailer before we even got out of the truck. There were over 1500 animals rescued and staying at the fairgrounds. We covered over 1,000 miles distributing supplies all around the Galveston, Brazoria and Angleton for those in need for next two days. We couldn’t have done nearly as much as we were able to do if it wasn’t for you all that donated and supported us.
We decided to stay two extra days because we saw all of the need for help. We got word that help was needed in Orange, Vidor and Beaumont, Texas areas — three hours from our location. It was a challenge getting out there as the roads were still flooded, but we were determined to lend a helping hand. We coordinated moving animals back to safety, even transported a mama dog who was ready to go into labor. We had multiple vets on scene and lots of warm welcoming Texan volunteers that helped evaluate and organize the influx of animals that started coming in when the water started to go down.
Thanks to all of your generous donations at home we were able to make another run for supplies to set up some safe areas for the animals. On the last day, as Ginger set up and organized a cowboy church command post for a staging area for animals. Chris joined ThirdWave Team who specializes in human rescue all around the world. Chris was the animal expert for the team as we floated on the only thing we had available — a large inflatable pool duck. It wasn’t fancy, but we were able to save some trapped animals and clear homes. Although we wished we could stay longer, our trip had to come to an end. Because of your help, we were able to offer supplies, rescue animals, set up command posts, travel 4,000 miles and meet some amazing people along the way. We cannot thank you enough for your donation that help made this possible. Thank you and God bless America
