Rescued Pets Movement Saves Animals from Euthanasia, Faces Storm Damage Challenges

🏘️ Community Impacted by Severe Storms

🌩️ Oak Forest Community Hard Hit

The Oak Forest community, along with Timber Grove Manor and the Heights neighborhoods, was significantly affected by recent storms. Fallen trees and power outages continue to plague these areas, causing widespread damage and disruption. FOX 26’s Randy Wallace reports on the latest developments from Rescued Pets Movement (RPM) in Oak Forest.

🐶 Rescued Pets Movement: A Lifeline for Animals

🐾 Saving Lives Every Month

Rescued Pets Movement is a vital nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats. Each month, RPM rescues approximately a thousand animals from BARC, the city’s animal shelter, many of whom are on the brink of euthanasia.

🏚️ Storm Damage to RPM Facility

The RPM facility in Oak Forest was severely damaged in Thursday’s storm. Even 24 hours later, the community is still grappling with the aftermath, including fallen trees and power outages. Many trees have fallen on houses and blocked streets, complicating recovery efforts.

🌳 Neighborhood Chaos

Edith Nordloch, a local resident, described the chaos: “There were a few crashes, which we suspect came from the house next door to us. They had a tree on the back of their house.” Her son, Ben, narrowly avoided damage to his car. “He was parked in front of our neighbor’s house, and two pine trees came down right on either side of his car. It did not hit his car,” Edith recounted. Ben added with relief, “I was joking today; I should go buy a lottery ticket. Two or three feet in either direction, and it would have been totaled.”

🚨 Major Damage at RPM

Unfortunately, the RPM building did not escape the storm unscathed. Megan Lee of Rescued Pets Movement detailed the extent of the damage: “The roof is pretty much toast. We had significant flooding in our front area, our cat area, and our kennels. Our Parvo room is completely flooded out.” The extensive damage will be costly and time-consuming to repair.

🛠️ Facing the Challenge Ahead

💸 Costly Repairs and Reduced Capacity

Repairing the RPM building will require significant resources and time. “It’s going to take a lot of time, so we’re probably not going to be able to have that many animals in here for the foreseeable future,” Megan explained. This reduction in capacity poses a significant challenge for the nonprofit, which relies on its facility to save lives.

🤲 Community Support Needed

In the face of these challenges, community support is more critical than ever. RPM’s mission to save animals from euthanasia is vital, and the organization will need help to continue its work. Donations, volunteer efforts, and community support can make a significant difference in overcoming this setback.

📝 Conclusion

Rescued Pets Movement is a beacon of hope for thousands of dogs and cats each month. The recent storm has brought significant challenges, but with community support and determination, RPM can continue its lifesaving work. The Oak Forest community, while currently struggling with the aftermath of the storm, has the opportunity to come together and support this essential organization in its time of need.