Noah's Wish is an organization devoted to managing animals during disasters. Terri Crisp, the founder is dedicated to a standard of excellence and a goal of helping people as much as animals.
Terri wanted to be an art teacher. She never envisioned running what has become the most important animal go-to disaster response team in the world. Yet, early on all the signs were there. In particular was the incident when as a small child walking through Sears, she couldn't ignore the stuffed animal that had fallen from the department store shelf. Terri knew she had to rescue it before it was ravaged by dust bunnies, errant shopping cart wheels, or an overtired toddler.
Noah's Wish doesn't wait for a disaster to occur. They assume it will happen and they are prepared. They're the real deal — out there for one reason and with one mission: "We exist to keep animals alive during disasters. That's it."
When asked what was the most important skill needed for the job, she didn't hesitate, "It's critical to have good communication skills. You're going to be in the midst of police officers, fire fighters and others emergency workers. Pet owners are going to turn to you for help or for answers. This will take place under circumstances that are not normal or predictable." Terri adds, "It's important to think with your head, not heart." To us, her words are infused with compassion and an understanding of what is at stake — loss of lives.
Do you ever leave your pet behind in an evacuation?
"Think of your pet as a child," Terri responds. She tells me about a flash flood that happened a few years back: "Authorities went door to door informing residents they had ten minutes to leave. This woman asked about taking her pets and the officer informed her that based on his knowledge of the situation that it would be okay to leave them. She did." Terri advises me about the basics of evacuation: once you leave, it is hard — usually impossible to return home during a disaster.
In this case, as in many, the unexpected ways of nature can sometimes be cruel. Six feet of water filled up many of the houses on the street where the woman lived. When they were allowed back in, the woman was too shaken to go home. Then she noticed the Noah's Wish decal on a truck. Terri offered to go in with another staff member. The cat was on top of the refrigerator, hungry but alive. Her Yorkshire was not as lucky. But here too, Noah's Wish plays a vital role. They help people as much as animals by taking an active part in the healing process of pet owner.
When asked if there was one special rescue that left an indelible paw print with her, she sighs. "I have seven dogs, thirty cats, 5 parakeets and one small parrot — all rescues." Before a person can do the math two things happen. First, her voice takes on the unmistakable tone of devoted pet owner. Next, she rephrases the question then answers it.
Terri takes me back to Romania 2005. It's the worst flooding this country has seen in at least fifty years.
- 31 out of 42 counties affected
- 31 dams and 60 main bridges have been destroyed - the damage to dams is a concern because when more rain comes there will be less in place to hold back the water
- Rough estimate of people evacuated is 12,166 (this includes just those people who have registered)
- 13,800 homes have flooded and most are sitting emerged in water
- 217,400 acres (88,000 hectares) of farmland alone are under water
- Rough estimate of 9,000 birds and animals dead (this would have to be livestock and poultry)
- Romania was hit by major flooding in April and May of this year - the country had not yet recovered from that and it is a lot worse this time
Mica Vulpita - Little Fox
"In the village of Cosmesti we saw many dogs living in some of the worst conditions we had ever seen. At one location we spotted a frightened puppy running towards a small abandoned house which had been almost completely submerged in flood water. I cautiously followed the tiny footprints through the slippery, smelly mud."
"Within a few minutes I located the mud caked puppy cowering in the corner of a water scared room. Bending down I softly spoke to her, trying to reassure her in a language she definitely had never heard. Moving slowly, I was able to work my way closer to her, extending my hand as I approached. She remained motionless as she watched me with her big black eyes. Even though she was frightened and unsure of what I was doing, she did not resist when I was finally able to pick her up. As I held her in my arms she made no effort to get down. Never once did she try and lick me either. Instead, she remained frozen, except for the uncontrollable shaking."
HAPPY ENDING: Mica Vulpita is one of Terri's seven dogs and is truly the fox of the family. She digs the hole, gets dog pals to join in and then she leaves. The rest of pack is caught red-handed in the act of tearing up the yard. However, Mica forgets that muddy paw prints can always be tracked.
PHOTO CREDITS: All photographs courtesy of Noah's Wish
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