14 dogs from South Carolina arrive in Rhode Island after Hurricane Helene

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — After Hurricane Helene tore across the Southeast, Rhode Island has taken in 14 dogs from a shelter in South Carolina.

The dogs arrived at the Potter League Rhode Island around 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.

“We are hoping that these dogs get adopted quickly so that we have some space so we can call them again and try to help them some more because they are dealing with so much,” Potter League CEO Brad Shear told 12 News.

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Volunteers with Friends of the Aiken County Animal Shelter (FOTAS) lost power during the storm and are now unable to wash the animals’ bedding and toys.

The Potter League has partnered with FOTAS since 2012, and this is part of a regular transport between the shelters they do about twice a month.

However, due to the impacts of the storm, the Potter League told them to send as many dogs as they could as quickly as possible.

After the dogs arrive, the Potter League will send FOTAS back to South Carolina with pet supplies that the nonprofit will deliver to the shelter and people in Aiken County affected by the storm.

“They’ve told us their residents don’t have gas to go to the store to get dog food and if they can, some of the stores are just out of food, so we are sending dog food and beds and other supplies that the shelter and the community need down there,” Shear said.

Anyone interested in adopting one of these dogs can get more information online.