SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Post-tropical storm Dorian was a poignant reminder that when disaster strikes, P.E.I. is not immune, and helping those in need – no matter how great or small – is rewarding.
Ron McConnell was among the volunteers at Green’s Shore Park in Summerside, Saturday afternoon, raising awareness and funds for the registered non-profit organization, Emergency Animal Response Team (EART).
“We perform emergency and disaster rescues of pets and domestic livestock. For example, if people had to be evacuated because of Dorian last weekend and were unable to take their animals with them, our volunteers would rescue or care for the animal on location,” said McConnell, the vice-president of EART.
Luckily the services of the volunteer-run organization were not needed during the weekend of the post-tropical storm, but McConnell still reminds animal owners to always be prepared.
“We were lucky that weekend, but I did have two horses come to my own farm up in Ellerslie. The owners phoned my wife (Lynne Davis) and I to board their horses as a precautionary evacuation because they were unsure of the safety of their barn during the storm,” said McConnell.
Crates, cages, pens, livestock carriers, and vehicles were all on display at the park to highlight what it takes to rescue animals, great and small.
“When you look around at all the equipment here, our operating expenses that include fuel for vehicles, meals for animals and volunteers can get very expensive, especially if we have a large deployment. If we can have a bank account with some money that would help,” said McConnell, while acknowledging training costs.
“All our volunteers have to be trained for different rescues. We have the livestock people, cat specialists, people from the Cat Action Team, Keeping Cats Homed, dog trainers, and even exotic animals and ferrets you can see today.”
Participants gathered to help raise those funds by bringing their friendly dogs and even a ferret to be walked along Summerside’s Boardwalk.
Christine Kleinsteuber zig-zagged along with her ferret, one of the 20 volunteers with the organization.
“I came from British Columbia with my partner, Robert Johns, and we were volunteers with the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART) out there. I got in contact with Lynne and Ron before we moved to P.E.I. while they were starting the Emergency Response Team in the Atlantic,” said Kleinsteuber.
“It’s important to be aware of this organization because if disaster strikes, even a house fire, a lot of people panic in an emergency situation. We are here to help rescue these animals and make sure they are safe too,” she continued.
Global Pet Foods donated several items for the event, including dog treats and samples of food.
The Summerside Lions Club came to help set up the tents, prepare the display and help with the barbecue, before assisting the cleanup.
The next fundraising event for EART will be at the College of Piping with multiple Juno and ECMA award-winner Heather Rankin. For more information visit, www.collegeofpiping.com.
