Last Updated on 4 June 2023 by Vanessa
How can you make a meaningful impact on the lives of cats and dogs in Puerto Rico that were affected by the devastating Hurricane Maria? In the aftermath of this catastrophic event, many feline and canine companions were left homeless, vulnerable, and in need of assistance. Learn how the simple act of buying a pet portrait can make a difference in rebuilding lives and providing vital aid for these furry creatures.
Buy a cat portrait and help the people and pets of Puerto Rico rebuild. All profits go to Puerto Rico hurricane relief.
This is a guest post by A/J Jackson.
Around this time last year, I had the good fortune of finding myself in Puerto Rico for the first time. Just a few months later, the devastating wrath of Hurricane Maria would sweep through and destroy much of the beauty I witnessed, leaving millions in a dire situation.
Hurricane Maria developed from a tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa in mid-September 2017 and rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane as it approached the Caribbean. On September 19, 2017, Maria made landfall on the island of Dominica with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (280 km/h). It then continued westward, passing over several other islands, including Guadeloupe, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands, before reaching Puerto Rico.
Maria was the strongest storm to hit Puerto Rico in over 80 years. The hurricane caused widespread devastation on the island, including severe damage to infrastructure, homes, and the power grid.
The effects of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico were catastrophic. The storm knocked out the power grid, leaving the entire island without electricity. Many areas also experienced water shortages and damage to telecommunications systems. The storm caused numerous landslides and flash floods, resulting in loss of life and severe damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
The aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico was characterized by a humanitarian crisis. The lack of power and access to basic services hindered recovery efforts and made it challenging to distribute aid and provide medical care. The storm caused an estimated 2,975 deaths, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters ever.
The impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico is still significant to this day. It is estimated that 11% of the population of Puerto Rico is still without power. Many people are still without reliable access to clean water. And, for others, damage to buildings and communications infrastructure during the storm has made it difficult to find and keep work. Some estimates suggest that in the wake of Hurricane Maria the poverty rate in Puerto Rico has increased from 44% to 52%, and may reach as high as 59% this year.
Effect of Hurricane Maria on the cats and dogs of Puerto Rico
The devastation in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria is staggering, and the territory will need our help for a long time to come. As with all disasters of this kind, animals are suffering, too.
During and after the storm, many pets were separated from their owners due to the chaotic and destructive nature of the hurricane. Some pets were lost or ran away in fear during the storm, while others were left behind or abandoned by their owners who were forced to evacuate.
While some pet parents have had happy reunions with their pets, many are still looking. The lack of infrastructure and basic services in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria made it challenging to locate and reunite lost pets with their owners. The destruction of communication systems, including phone lines and internet connections, hindered efforts to track and report missing animals. Additionally, the widespread damage and limited resources posed obstacles to providing immediate assistance and care for displaced animals.
In response to the crisis, various local and international organizations, along with volunteers, mobilized to help rescue and shelter the affected animals. These efforts included setting up temporary shelters, conducting search and rescue operations, and facilitating adoptions and reunions.
It is important to note that the impact on pets extended beyond immediate displacement and separation. The overall disruption caused by the hurricane, including the destruction of homes and communities, led to significant challenges in providing ongoing care and support for pets. Many families faced difficulties in providing food, water, and veterinary care for their pets in the aftermath of the disaster.
While the exact number of missing pets remains uncertain, the aftermath of Hurricane Maria highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for strategies to protect and support animals during and after such events. Efforts continue to improve disaster response protocols and strengthen the resilience of pets and their owners in the face of future natural disasters.
How you can help cats and dogs in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria
After donating to various Puerto Rican hurricane relief charities, I had an idea for another way I might be able to help. While going through my photos from the trip, I noticed a lot of really interesting images of Old San Juan’s street cats. Something about them was captivating, like they were old souls wandering the timeless streets of the barrio. I thought: if there is one thing the Internet loves more than anything…it’s cats. So I decided to start this philanthropic experiment in hopes that people’s desire to help those in need and their endless love of cats might merge together to form the perfect charitable package.
When you buy a cat portrait, you will help the people and cats of Puerto Rico rebuild. All the photos are signed and printed using the highest quality standards from Art Works Fine Art Publishing in Highland Park, CA, and matte framed by hand by Mission Framing of Los Angeles. 100% of the profits go to Puerto Rico hurricane relief and will be donated to Roofs for the Caño and the Humane Society of Puerto Rico.
More info: The Cats of Old San Juan
Pin this!
