Tornado season is upon us, and even seasoned pros know how terrifying it can be. Prepare as you might, something can always go wrong, and sometimes, it does. It's the price you pay to live in Tornado Alley - it's beautiful there, but it's scary, too.
On Monday, April 29th, one woman's reunion with her dog after a bad storm went viral. The look on her face is simultaneously the most heartbreaking and heartwarming thing you might ever see:
The Weather Channel's post feels like we're witnessing history in the making. This picture just feels like it'll be everywhere, in history books for decades to come.
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The photo was taken last weekend after Saturday's devastating tornado touchdown in Sulphur, Oklahoma, and surrounding cities. The events killed at least 4 people so far, though 100 more have been injured. Homes and hundreds of acres of natural landscape were destroyed, injuring and killing an undetermined number of animals in the process.
When a tornado is predicted, residents are told to take shelter, but that takes many different forms. If you're staying at home and sheltering there, it's easier to secure your pet, but evacuation can cause a lot of trouble for those seeking pet-friendly shelter.
That exact scenario is what happened to Payton McClure, who was away when the tornadoes hit Sulphur. Her grandparents as well as her two-year-old Australian Shepherd/Corgi mix were still in town, and unfortunately, Jack was left behind when they had to evacuate. Payton was very lucky to be able to find Jack among the rubble during search and rescue operations, and as far as anyone knows, Jack is in good condition!
What to do With Dogs During Natural Disasters
Tornadoes aren't the only weather event that could leave you worrying about the safety of your pet, though they are definitely super scary. The exact dangers depend on where you are and what you're facing, but here are some universal tips:
- Keep an extra supply of dog food and water in your prep kits.
- Practice securing them somewhere, whether it's in the bathroom, a storm shelter, or somewhere else.
- If tornadoes are your biggest worry, crate them and tuck the crate underneath a table.
- If it's flooding or hurricanes, you should not lock them in the crate - they need to be able to get out.
- Call around to public storm shelters in your area during the off-season to see what their pet policies are.
- Find someone nearby who's willing to hold onto your pup until you get back if you have to evacuate.
Though not totally necessary, purchasing pet insurance can also help. If they get injured during a storm, it'll help cover some of the medical costs - it stinks that you have to worry about things like that, but you do. Luckily for Jack, he just had a couple of scratches!
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