In the wake of a natural disaster, residents aren't the only ones who suffer; pets are also affected, primarily those that are left behind.
That was certainly the case for many animals during Hurricane Katrina. In fact, almost 100,000 pets were left to fend for themselves, according to the Louisiana SPCA.
In turn, many concerned people went to the heart of the disaster in New Orleans to help these hopeless animals.
This has happened during other disasters around the world. Just look at Naoto Matsumura, who gave up everything to care for animals after a nuclear disaster in Japan.
One of the brave rescuers during Katrina was a former Marine named Eric Durcinka, who joined the Louisiana SPCA's efforts. He left his home and job in Indiana to help save thousands of those pets, many of whom were in serious condition. As shown in the video, animals were found struggling in flooded areas.
"Most of them were completely domesticated so the situation had thrown them into something they were completely unaware existed," Durcinka said of the animals.
It's devastating to watch animals suffer in such horrifying conditions, but it's so heartwarming to know that people would spend so much time to save them. Don't you agree?
Watch the video below and please SHARE if you love people who make a difference for animals!
