September 22, 2005

Wozniak comes to aid of displaced Hurricane Katrina animals

Apple co-founder donates $10,000 to Humane Society

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder and CTO of Wheels of Zeus, visited the Humane Society of Silicon Valley [HSSV] this week to donate a check for $10,000 toward the care of dogs that arrived here last week who were rescued from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Steve Wozniak visits with HSSV staff. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“It disturbed me quite a bit when young children had to get on the evacuation buses and leave their pets behind,” said Wozniak at the press conference. “Pets are a part of your family, at least in my opinion. I have five dogs of my own and they’re my family. I can’t imagine having to leave them behind.”

Wozniak presented HSSV Board of Director Chair Kate Mulligan with the check that is to be used for the care and feeding of the 12 dogs that arrived at the animal shelter last week. And he urged others in the community to become involved with the Katrina animal relief effort and the other animals that are at the shelter by donating money, supplies or volunteering to help.

“These dogs came to us dehydrated, hungry, filthy and plagued with skin conditions but they are surprisingly resilient,” said HSSV Vice President of Animal Care Beth Ward. “Our medical staff is tending to these animals, helping them become well enough physically and mentally in the coming weeks to enter our adoption program.”
Wozniak toured the shelter after the press conference spending time with many of the Katrina dogs and other HSSV animals eager for attention. HSSV plans to care for as many hurricane impacted animals as possible.

More homeless animals on the way
HSSV operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day requiring $15,000 a day to operate the facility. Ward said the nonprofit agency will incur even more un-funded expenses by taking the animals left homeless by Katrina. She estimates that it will cost the shelter $500 to $800 to care for each animal displaced by the hurricane. More funds will be necessary if the animal is in poor condition.

Wozniak presents HSSV Board of Directors Chair Kate Mulligan with $10,000 check for Katrina hurricane animals. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

HSSV is expecting additional Katrina animals flown in through the Marin County Humane Society. HSSV has agreed to take in and find homes for animals picked up by Pet Smart Charities Rescue Van in Louisiana. They will be technically held in the care of HSSV through Dec. 31, 2005. Some of the dogs may be placed in foster care during that time to allow people who have missing pets to search for them on Petfinder.com. The site has uploaded photos of the sheltered animals throughout the country.

HSSV also accepts supplies for rescue agencies working in Louisiana. They are in desperate need of wire travel cages and pet carriers, collars and leashes, latex gloves, box fans, extension cords and laundry detergent. A complete list of items can be found at www.peacelovepets. com.

Send checks payable to HSSV Animal Relief Fund, 2530 Lafayette Street, Santa Clara, Calif. 95050. For donations or volunteering call 727-3383.