As Hurricane Sandy approached the northeastern coastal states, the AKC, AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR), and the AKC Humane Fund, Inc., took immediate action to prepare all dog owners and let them know that assistance was available. From disaster preparedness and establishing a special fund, to helping the efforts of a Major League Baseball organization, all three organizations were there to help.

After Hurricane Sandy swept through the tri-state area, many residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut were left in need of basic supplies for their homes and pets. In response, the AKC and AKC CAR donated over $3,000 in supplies to help displaced pets in the areas ravaged by the super-storm.

The first floor of the Woodbridge Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center in Sewaren, New Jersey, was submerged in more than five feet of water. The shelter lost many supplies due to water damage. Collars, leashes, pet beds, cage bedding, dog and cat food, and cleaning supplies were sent to help replenish the center's inventory.

St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey, received 100 AKC blankets to comfort pets and help them cope with the onset of winter.

The Humane Fund established the "Sandy Fund" to help AKC clubs and affiliated organizations to provide assistance for pets and owners in their time of need.

The fund's first donation was made to the Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club, to help members in their local relief efforts.

"All of us at the American Kennel Club were greatly saddened by the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy," AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung says.

"The creation of the Sandy Fund will help us do everything we can to assist companion animals and their owners in the region during this trying time and in any future disasters."

In further support of those affected by Hurricane Sandy, the Humane Fund and the Westminster Kennel Club each donated $10,000 to the Sandy Fund.

"We look forward to helping pets and their owners get back on their feet in the wake of Hurricane Sandy," Westminster president Sean McCarthy says.

"I encourage all dog lovers to donate to the fund to help fellow pet owners in need."


Yankees Go to Bat for Area Pets
The New York Yankees got involved in hurricane-relief efforts and reached out to request support for companion animals. Without hesitation the AKC contacted its associates at Eukanuba, who were eager to help, and arranged a donation of 44 tons of pet food to be delivered to Yankee Stadium to assist in relief efforts.

Yankees President Randy Levine says, "The New York Yankees salute Dennis Sprung and Susan Sprung and the American Kennel Club for their extraordinary generosity in providing much-needed pet food and supplies to the New York Yankees hurricane-relief distribution effort."

AKC clubs and other organizations to receive Sandy Fund grants include Nutmeg Border Collie Club, Mohawk Valley Kennel Club, New England Saint Bernard Club, New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs, Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club, and Northern New Jersey Great Dane Club, the Humane Society of New York, and Last Hope Animal Rescue.


Information
AKC clubs and other organizations can apply for a grant to assist in Sandy-related disaster-relief outreach here.

Make a donation to the Sandy Fund here.