Terrible commutes are just part of the havoc rainy days can wreak on Washington.
At local animal rescue shelters, thunderstorms mean soaking wet dogs whimpering on chains, baby birds tumbling from nests and kittens scrambling for shelter with their mothers.
With weekend storms soaking the area, officials at the Washington Humane Society received calls from concerned residents and searched for animals neglected in the downpours.
But rainy days are actually quieter days for the organization, said Jim Monsma, director of community outreach at the Washington Humane Society, since many pet owners put their animals indoors during inclement weather.
Kay Speerstra, executive director of the Animal Welfare League in Arlington, agreed, noting that thunderstorms — not heavy rain — greatly increase rescue calls.
“A lot of dogs are very afraid of thunder,” Speerstra said. “They tend to get out of the yard” because they are scared, thus becoming a concern for neighboring residents.
On Sunday, Washington Humane Society officials received word of a family of stray cats seeking protection from the elements outside an apartment complex. Monsma said an elderly dog had also become disoriented, collapsing in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant in torrential rain.
“People just really need to be sensitive and keep their dogs inside if they know [storms] are going to pop up,” Speerstra said.
The organizations can be contacted 24 hours a day in cases of emergencies, suspected animal cruelty or neglect.
Animal Rescue Emergency Contact Numbers:
» District of Columbia: 202-234-8626
» Alexandria City: 703-838-4774
» Arlington County: 703-931-9241
» Fairfax County: 703-830-1100
» Prince William County: 703-792-6465
» Montgomery County: 240-773-5960
» Prince George’s County: 301-498-0092
