Tampa's Homeless Pets Weather The Storm Thanks To Dedicated Volunteers

FLORIDA — The story could have ended in tragedy. Instead, thanks to a good Samaritan, this story has a happy ending.

As the Humane Society of Tampa Bay was making preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Ian, stocking up on pet food and water, and scheduling volunteers and staff so someone was at the shelter at all times to care for the animals, a person walked through the shelter doors with a stray dog.

The first thing shelter staff noticed was the stray was a beautiful Chinese shar-pei with a regal bearing that belied the fact she was dirty and haggard after wandering the streets without food or water.

The second thing they noticed — and it was hard not to — was her grossly distended belly. It was obvious that the dog was just hours away from giving birth to a litter of puppies.

"Thankfully, we have a puppy nursery and staff on hand who helped Mila give birth to six healthy puppies," said Maria Bower Polins, director of marketing.

Had the good Samaritan not found Mila and brought the dog to the Humane Society, she most likely would have given birth behind a dumpster where the puppies would have died from lack of medical care and Mila, weak and starving, would have perished in the heavy rains and tropical storm-force winds.

Now she's surrounded by her puppies and the entire family is dry, comfortable and well-fed.

"We are thankful to have the nursery to keep Mila and her puppies, and all of our homeless pets were safe and comfortable during Hurricane Ian," Polins said.

A team of volunteers remained with the animals throughout the crisis, ensuring they remained calm and safe during the heavy rains and winds.

The animals barely heard a noise and, thankfully, we never lost power," Polins said. "Staff were on site for the past two days caring for and comforting the animals and more amazing staff and volunteers arrived this morning."

Additionally, the shelter said Tampa police stopped by to check on the animals and volunteers a number of times.