Moments from losing his life, HSSC saved Cyrus just in time
October 7th was almost Cyrus' last day on earth. Hurricane Milton was rapidly intensifying and had its sights set on the Suncoast. He was at a government-run shelter in rural Florida. All the animals at the shelter were living in outdoor kennels, meaning they would be outside when the storm hit.
They had two choices: euthanize their animals or find another shelter to take them in. Desperate, this shelter contacted Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) because they knew our shelter could withstand a Category 5 hurricane.
His time was almost up. He was on the euthanasia table and sedated. His young life was about to end when the call came in… HSSC would take every one of this shelter's cats and dogs!
Cyrus would not be crossing the Rainbow Bridge that day. He was saved at the last minute. The sedation was reversed, and he was soon in a transport van headed to HSSC to stay with one of our staff members during the storm. In a matter of 24 hours, he went from being near death to being in a warm and loving home.
Cyrus was scheduled to be euthanized at that rural shelter. Not because he was sick or a bad dog. He was going to die just because he was a big, mixed-breed dog. Because he had the misfortune to end up in a shelter with limited space and few resources. And because a hurricane was coming, and there was nowhere for him to go.
You can help save the lives of dogs like Cyrus. Donate this Giving Tuesday to support our lifesaving work. Impact real change in Florida, as HSSC collaborates statewide to share our no-kill mission!
Stepping up, lending a hand, and helping our neighboring shelters and communities—that is what it means to be a premier no-kill shelter. None of that would be possible without the support of amazing people like you.
Thanks to you—Cyrus' story will have a joyful ending, but the work is not finished. There will continue to be neglected animals that need our help. Donate this Giving Tuesday to help HSSC save as many cats and dogs as possible.