COVINGTON, La. —
As the historic floodwaters rose earlier this month, thousands of animals were being rescued. Shelters were overflowing and people had nothing to feed their pets.
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Melissa Seal of Estate of Grace Stables and Farm took to social media, posting pictures of the floods and the animal rescue efforts. In the same post, she asked that people donate pet food and supplies to local shelters.
What happened next was a flood in itself.
"I just told them what was happening in Louisiana, and a lot of people were just shocked. They didn't know. They had no idea it was even flooding," said Seal of her August 16 Facebook post.
On most days, Seal runs the stables, teaches riding and rescues animals. When the floods hit, it was obvious many families would have nothing to feed their pets, and their pets might be all they had left.
"Their homes are gone, their cars are gone, their jobs are gone, their schools are gone, but they can still have their pet. We can feed them," Seal said.
You bet she can. You see people sent their donations to her.
Since her Facebook post went out 10 days ago, the flood has been one of donations from all over the world. The local post office was jammed.
Thousands of pounds of pet food and supplies, even bales of hay, have been delivered virtually non-stop to Estate of Grace. Seal and the farm have become a clearinghouse for pet food and supplies.
People are driving in from across the south, willing to load their trucks with as much as they can carry and deliver it to the people who need it.
"I did see this post that Melissa had put out and I thought what the heck," said Carolyn Wildfeuer, who drove all the way from Nashville, Tennessee to Covington, Louisiana to deliver supplies to flood-stricken areas.
Janet Lopesto drove in from Lafayette, Louisiana.
"One post did this," said Lopesto as she loaded a rented van with pet food destined for animal shelters in Acadiana.
"It's people that you take their babies away from them, their fur babies, we can't take the last thing they know," Lopesto said.
Melissa's challenge is just keeping everything moving. Food and supplies are going out, but more continues to come in. She has another call.
"Come here. I'll load your truck up and give you an idea of what location is really in need. Go out there and show your children what it's about to be compassionate," Seal said.
If you have been flooded and need pet food or supplies, or if you know where there is a need, contact Melissa Seal at 985-335-2780. Estate of Grace Stables and Farm is located at 75181 Highway 1083, Covington, LA, 70435.
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