FUR Deploys to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

Florida Urgent Rescue (FUR) was one of the first rescue groups on the ground in Jamaica following the devastating Hurricane Melissa. Melissa made landfall as one of the most powerful hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basis, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph. Much of the island is still without power, which makes every day a struggle, and the situation is truly heartbreaking. Walt and Mike were the first rescuers to reach Negril Pup Rescue, bringing in food and supplies they need at the rescue. In addition to being cut off by the hurricane, the rescue vehicle died months ago, making it even harder to care for their animals. The situation is dire, with much of the island still without power and critical infrastructure severely damaged. FUR was on the ground quickly, initially delivering food and supplies to Negril Pup Rescue, before continuing on to support residents impacted by the hurricane.

We were surprised to learn FUR was also the first disaster response team on the ground in several other areas. The town of Savanna-la-Mar was among the hardest hit, and virtually every structure still standing is damaged. After surviving a terrifying storm, many people lost everything they own. The few gas stations that are open have no fuel, and there are lines of people waiting by their cars hoping a fuel truck will show up. Residents are without power, water, and food, and there is no help in sight.

FUR brought in crucial supplies like gravity water filters, LifeStraw personal water bottles, solar-powered lights that double as phone chargers, and other basic necessities. When we started handing out disaster relief supplies in Savannah la Mar, we ran out fast.

Feeling the urgency, we drove back to Negril, loaded up with food, cases of bottled water, toilet paper, paper towels and trash bags, and made two more round trips back down to Savannah la Mar to deliver more aid.

When we got back, we saw a BBC News story: "'No help, no food, no water': Hurricane-hit Jamaican towns desperately wait for aid." This perfectly captured the heartbreaking reality on the ground. People vs. Animals? We Help Both.

We often hear the debate over "people versus animals" when applying for grants. Several foundations have declined to support us because they focus only on people.

Our reality in every disaster is that FUR helps people AND animals. Hurricanes don't make a distinction. We help where we can, reacting quickly and going where we're needed.

Every disaster is different, but there are some common themes. In every case, people and animals need help. Whether it’s evacuating refugees with their pets in Ukraine, helping earthquake survivors in Turkey, or bringing supplies in and animals out during hurricane relief operations in the U.S., Florida Urgent Rescue helps people and animals in need.

Your donation is what allows us to act immediately—to bring life-saving supplies to both families and their pets. Please help us continue being a lifeline for those who have lost everything. Thank you for helping make a difference for those in need! Help Us Say "Yes" to the Next Emergency!

Monthly donors give us the stability to act quickly in emergencies like hoarding cases, hurricanes, or a dog with a gunshot wound. We don't have time to wait for a fundraiser to process when an animal needs emergency care.

To learn more and join our monthly donors, please visit: https://www.floridaurgentrescue.org/donatemonthly