Four-footed volcano victims find new homes
June 26, 1997
Web posted at: 10:35 p.m. EDT (0235 GMT)From Correspondent Robert Vito
MIAMI (CNN) -- Some pets left homeless by the recent volcanic eruptions on the Caribbean island of Montserrat are landing on their feet in new homes in south Florida.
Cayman, a young terrier, has been on a journey that started near Montserrat's erupting volcano, took a path through a Humane Society shelter in Broward County, and ended safely at the home of a new family.
CNN's Robert Vito reports
1 min., 40 sec. VXtreme video
"It's sad he lost his original family but it feels good to save his life, and he's going to have a good home," said the adoptive owner.
When the island's active volcano erupts, people naturally flee from its path of destruction, and in the chaos some pets get left behind.
Two cats and 30 dogs, including Cayman, were recently rescued by the World Society for the Protection of Animals. They were airlifted to a shelter where they were given food, medicine, baths and a chance at a new life.
"We didn't expect them to recuperate so quickly, and by Saturday morning by 9 o'clock, several of them had already made it to the adoption counter, so we were thrilled," said the Humane Society's JoAnne Roman.
"All it takes is a little TLC (tender loving care)," she said.
After hearing about the Montserrat dogs and cats, more than a thousand people showed up wanting to adopt them. The eternal question of what four-legged friends would say if they could talk may be solved, at least in this instance: "Thanks."
Related stories:
- Volcano endangers Caribbean island - May 19, 1997
- Montserrat volcano set to blow - December 2, 1996
Related sites:
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- Government of Montserrat and Montserrat Volcano Observatory -
- Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat - USGS
- Soufriere Hills, Montserrat, West Indies
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