A man estranged from his family, living alone in a trailer in Florida, is hailed a hero for a selfless act that has cost him his life.

Robert Emery risked his life to rescue three dogs that were stuck on a highway in Texas after hurricane Ike.

Robert “Bob” Emery, who was from Florida and in Texas to help clear storm debris, died late Saturday after dashing onto the East Freeway to reach the dogs who were huddled in the emergency lane against a cement median. He was struck by a passing motorcycle.

Thankfully the dogs were saved and eventually reunited with their owner.   However, Emery’s family has not been located, and without anyone to claim his body he could be given a pauper’s burial.

Cheryl Lang, president of the Houston-based organization, No Paws Left Behind, which works to find solutions for pets from homes being foreclosed, is among those calling Emery a hero.

Lang said he deserves better than a pauper’s burial, and is looking at ways the community can honor his memory, perhaps with a temporary pet shelter.

“He didn’t even think twice, just went out and did it,” she said of Emery trying to reach the dogs.”That says a lot about his character.”

It’s very sad that Robert Emery lost his life, it would be a tragedy if he’s buried in an unmarked grave. This man is a hero who deserves recognition.

Hopefully, if this story keeps making its way around the internet someone will know how to reach Robert “Bob” Emery’s family.

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Hurricane Ike has left more than just physical devastation in its wake.

There are 120 dogs who were abandoned being transported to Minnesota to be put up for adoption.

The process starts this morning, when a team from the Animal Humane Society (AHS) of Golden Valley, with the help of Northwest Airlines, brings back 59 dogs from Texas that were lost, abandoned or surrendered after the hurricane.

I just can’t understand how anyone could take shelter and leave their dog behind.  I realize that some of the dogs probably got lost in all the confusion,  but I would go to the ends of the earth to get my dogs back.

Once in Minnesota, the dogs “will rest and recover at AHS’ five facilities,” the society said in a statement Tuesday. “Some may require additional medical treatments and be in AHS’ care because of the extraordinary circumstances they have been through.”

I hope that these dogs will all be adopted into wonderful new forever homes.  They have not released adoption information yet, but anyone residing in the vicinity and looking to adopt should keep checking for updates.  Remember…it’s Adopt-A-Dog Month, here’s your chance.

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It look likes Hurricane Ike could do some major damage, it’s a huge storm and approaching quickly.  I found a great article on DigFido.com by Kathy Santo, a professional dog trainer, on tips she uses to keep her canine family members safe.

1. Have a Pet Survival Kit Packed and Ready This includes a two-week supply of dry food and medication (if needed), water, bags to pick up after your dog, and cleaning supplies in case of an accident!

Be sure to include leashes, bowls, your dog’s favorite blanket and toys, a waterproof-sealed (laminated) picture of your pet (if your dog gets lost you can make copies for a flyer), up-to-date medical records, photo-copy of all tags, microchip information, and a list of emergency phone numbers (vet, local animal shelters that will house dogs in an emergency, and friends of relatives.)

2. BEFORE a hurricane threatens, research which hotels in and out of your area will accept pets. Store this information in or near your Pet Survival Kit.

3. Make sure your dog has all the necessary training to be a well-behaved companion. A solid “Come”, “Stay” and “Heel” command are essential for keeping your dog safe in unfamiliar circumstances.

4. Now is the time to teach your dog that it’s fun to travel and visit strange new places. A dog who’s used to adventures will be far less stressed than one who never leaves his home or yard except for yearly vet visits!”

The Humane Society of the United States is already in Texas prepared to aid the evacuation of animals out of the path of Hurricane Ike.

A special thanks to the team of disaster services staff and volunteers who put themselves in danger to make sure our pets are kept safe.

Because of them, we don’t need to put ourselves in danger to help out.  Simply making a tax deductible donation, to the Disaster Relief Fund,  would be a tremendous way to aid in this effort.

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