Video: Furry Hurricane Maria Refugees Are Smiling, Playing, and Wagging Their Tails for the First Time

For Immediate Release:
December 4, 2017

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

It’s been only a few months since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, but the lives of the dogs brought to PETA’s hometown of Norfolk, Virginia, by PETA’s animal rescue team—which was on the ground after the storm—have changed dramatically. Now, a brand-new PETA video released today, shows many of the dogs in their new homes, playing with toys, seeing their own reflections (and barking at them!), rolling around in bed, snuggling and smiling big in their new guardians’ laps, and more—all things that they’re doing for the first time in their lives.

In Puerto Rico, PETA’s team provided animals in shelters with food and clean water, took those who were injured to veterinarians, and more. They returned to Norfolk with several of the dogs who were most in need and worked with other local shelters to give the pups a fresh start and the chance to find happy homes.

They include Pedro, whose leg was swollen to three times its normal size and who, after receiving urgent veterinary care, now goes on long walks with his new guardian in Texas. Others include Chiquita, who loves playing in the leaves with her new family and barking at her reflection in the television, and little Stephen, who is soaking up lots of oatmeal baths after suffering from prolonged sun exposure in Puerto Rico.

PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way.” More information about PETA’s work to help animals is available here. More information about the animals rescued during Hurricane Maria can be found on PETA’s blog.