Mobile, Ala. – In a remarkable display of community spirit, Mobile Animal Services emptied its dog shelter for the first time in its history as Hurricane Isaias threatened the Gulf Coast. The department issued an urgent call for foster homes, and volunteers answered, moving 135 animals to safe locations before the storm arrived.

Volunteer effort sparks rapid evacuation

Martin Miller, a longtime shelter volunteer, posted a plea on social media weeks before the storm. “If we can get 20 dogs out, it would be worth it. If we could get 34 dogs out, then no dogs would be outside facing the weather,” he explained. The response was overwhelming. Over a 24‑hour period, roughly ten to twenty people lined the lobby each minute, coordinating transport and temporary housing for the dogs.

Numbers and outcomes

By the time the storm hit, every dog had been placed in a foster home or transferred to another agency. Twenty‑two dogs were sent to the Birmingham Humane Society for permanent adoption, about 20 were adopted directly by their foster families, and another 20 remained in foster care awaiting permanent homes. The shelter reported that, after the evacuation, the facility was completely empty – a scene described by Miller as “deathly silent” compared to the usual bustle of over 100 dogs.

Looking ahead to a new facility

Animal Services Director Robert Bryant praised the community’s response, noting that the reduced animal count will smooth the transition to a new, larger shelter slated to open next summer. “Having a lower number to make that transition makes it a whole lot smoother,” Bryant said. Since the evacuation, 43 dogs have returned to the shelter, but none were admitted as a direct result of the storm.

Community impact and future plans

The successful evacuation underscores the power of local volunteers, foster families, and animal‑welfare organizations working together in times of crisis. It also highlights the importance of preparedness for future severe weather events, especially as Mobile continues to develop its animal‑service infrastructure.

Mobile residents are encouraged to consider fostering animals, especially during hurricane season, to ensure that vulnerable pets have safe shelter when storms approach. The department plans to hold additional outreach events later this year to recruit more foster volunteers and to educate the public on emergency animal‑care protocols.

Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.