When Hurricane Gustav threatened Cayman Brac during the last week in August, owners of 14 dogs, a cat and three birds had one less worry on their minds: their animals were safe and cared for at Noah’s Ark, the facility provided by the Brac Branch of the Cayman Humane Society.
Since the building sits on government land just across from the grounds where the Agricultural Show is held on the Bluff, hundreds of people have seen the concrete and steel structure from the outside. So that everyone who wanted to could get a look inside, Humane Society members held an open house on Saturday afternoon.
The need for a pet shelter was obvious to members, who began serious planning in 2006.
‘Brackers take the hurricane season seriously and they also love their pets. Some people would risk staying in their homes with their pets because the public shelters don’t take animals and carrying them to a friend or relative would be too great an imposition,’ Branch president Karen Fraser explained.
Because so many people contributed materials and/or skills, cost of the project to the Brac Branch of the Humane Society was around $42,000. It has been paid for through donations and fund raising events.
‘One family was outstanding in their generosity,’ Mrs. Fraser said. ‘The Steve Miller family from Montana had spent many holidays here and their teen-aged son, CW, was always amused by the little Cayman-style houses he dropped coins into at stores and restaurants around the island for the Humane Society.
‘Tragically, CW was killed in a road accident in 2006; financial contributions were made in his memory. Then Steve died after a long illness and, once again, grieving friends and relatives gave expression of their sorrow by making donations to help complete this project in memory of both CW and Steve.’
Mrs. Fraser said another visitor to the Brac, who had helped rescue cats in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, sent dog and cat crates.
Church minister Rev. Lee King began the physical project, laying the foundation and erecting the steel panels. When he retired and relocated, builder Jeff Jaeger took over. Denver Solomon bought electrical supplies and Bill Kinder installed them, Mrs. Fraser reported. ‘Whenever Burke Ryan heard of a glitch he would save the day by a donation or by locating what was needed.’
The Rotary Club, Junior Achievement, Athletic Club and Scott Development also helped make Noah’s Ark a reality. Mrs. Fraser made special mention of the Cayman Humane Society for ‘always being ready to give encouragement as well as a cheque.’
Noah’s Ark opened ahead of schedule when Hurricane Gustav threatened the weekend of 29 August. Wardens Gene and Bonnie Edwards went to the shelter around 10am and people began bringing their animals around noon.
Each dog and the cat had its own crate, with name, owner’s name and phone number securely taped on. The donated crates were a good size: ‘Even the big dogs were comfortable,’ Mr. Edwards said. The birds were brought in their own cages.
‘A couple of the dogs had difficulty settling down, not knowing what was going on. I think they sensed the atmospheric pressure,’ Mrs. Edwards theorised. As the winds increased, the animals seemed to find security in their new space, she said.
Mr. Edwards remembered most vividly the sounds of the wind and rain against the metal structure, popping and cracking noises, debris being blown about.
‘We took the cat and birds into our sleeping space – a corner room seven feet wide — so they wouldn’t upset the dogs or vice versa, but we left the connecting door open,’ Mrs. Edwards recalled. ‘The Brac lost electricity, but we had flash lights and didn’t need the generator until the next morning, when we wanted a cup of hot coffee.’
Also that morning, the dogs were taken out of their cages in twos or threes so they could have a brief walk in the enclosed yard outside. When officials at the Aston Rutty Civic Centre Hurricane Shelter allowed people to leave, the grateful owners came for their pets. By noon all had been reclaimed and Mr. and Mrs. Edwards had completed their 26-hour stint.
‘We were the logical people to be there,’ Mrs. Edwards said. ‘Because we live down by the water, we would have had to evacuate anyway.’ Another important factor had to be Mr. Edwards’ years of raising and training dogs.
Noah’s Ark is 27 feet wide, 32 feet long and 21 feet high at its peak. The floor and end walls are concrete. A large roll-up garage door provides easy access for animals and equipment, while back and front doors are regular size.
Sixteen dog-size crates have been assembled, while components for others are stored off to one side along with cat crates. The wardens’ area contains an air mattress and an enclosed bathroom complete with sink and shower stall.
Mrs. Fraser concluded: ‘We would like to share this information with everyone for two reasons. One, we’re proud of the facility and the teamwork that went into it. But equally, we hope other communities or countries will make some provision for pets in a hurricane.’
More information may be obtained by contacting the Brac Branch of the Cayman Islands Humane Society at 948-2625.
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