Hattiesburg, Mississippi Shelter Transport Update!

The southern transport to Hattiesburg, MS was a huge success! We left on Wed Sept 14 and returned safely with 9 animals in the back of my Toyota 4-Runner! All are safe and sound and on their way to new homes, many of them local here in Happy Valley.

Southern Pines Animal Shelter in Hattiesburg, MS was our final destination and the shelter from which we pulled our transport animals. The staff there is amazing and did a great job looking after all the animals in their care post hurricane Katrina. Hattiesburg sustained significant wind damage throughout the city but luckily was spared a lot of damage from flooding overall. The shelter was without electricity for 5 days and had to bring water in for the animals from a creek in garbage cans on the back of a pickup truck for the first 3 days. Flashlights were used in their inner buildings to check on and clean up after the animals in their care. They have about 100 animals at their shelter at full capacity, so they were very busy making sure all were safe and well taken care of. Throughout all the tragedy, the staff kept smiling and has made the best of every situation since the hurricane hit.

We took a UHaul trailer filled with supplies to the shelter and they were overwhelmed by the generosity! We had blankets and crates and toys as well as medical supplies, shampoo and lots of love to share! All of it was well received and put to good use. Southern Pines will be distributing some of their supplies to other shelters on the Gulf Coast that are in need of help and support.

HSUS has their temporary headquarters set up also in Hattiesburg and we found that area to be very well organized with all animals in good hands. The VMAT team was also in place there for emergency assistance with displaced animals. They also had a great team of people working to “fix up” any animals in need of medical treatment post hurricane Katrina.

We are planning another southern transport to the Hattiesburg area in late October. We appreciate your continued support of the efforts to help out with these amazing southern animals. Many thanks to all of you that contributed to our first journey! Your generosity was amazing and the Southern Pines Staff looks forward to our return!

Thanks and Best to all~
Leslie Burgard
Founder and Director of Hoss’ Homeless Hotel  


Remember supplies and monetary contributions can be dropped off at Metzger Animal Hospital or mailed to:

Hoss’ Homeless Hotel
c/o Metzger Animal Hospital
1044 Benner Pike
State College, Pa 16801
Please note Katrina Animal Relief Fund on memo line.

Many thanks for your support!