Local kennel aids in rescue after Hurricane Irma

DURHAM — Great Bay Kennel is partnering with the New Hampshire SPCA, out of Stratham, to assist animals impacted by Hurricane Irma.

“We were happy to say ‘yes’ when the NHSPCA reached out,” said Dr. Jim McKiernan, veterinarian and owner of GBK, along with his wife Carla McKiernan. “We immediately went to work planning the logistics of how we could help. It was an easy decision and is a privilege to assist the NHSPCA in this effort.” GBK has been providing boarding, grooming and dog daycare services in the Seacoast since 1993. Fortunately, for the dogs received from the Miami area, GBK had space and was willing to take on the care of the animals until space could be made for them at the NHSPCA.

Great Bay Kennel is currently housing 10 dogs. The design of the kennel is such that a large number of dogs can be safely quarantined until they are ready to be transferred to the NHSPCA for adoption. While at GBK, Dr. McKiernan will provide the dogs full examinations and health certificates to help prepare them for their new families.

“We are so grateful to Dr. McKiernan and Carla for taking on this extra responsibility to partner with us,” said Lisa Dennison, Executive Director for the New Hampshire SPCA. “We wanted desperately to be able to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, but with limited quarantine space, our hands were tied in terms of dogs. With Great Bay Kennel’s help, we were not only able to transport 32 cats from Florida, we were able to bring 10 dogs to safety as well. We thank GBK for their help and hope that this is just the beginning of an incredible partnership.”

The animals transferred thus far had been in the shelters in Florida awaiting adoption. With the influx of lost local animals to those shelters, they needed to transfer animals out to make space. This will provide more space and time for people in Irma’s wake to be able to locate their beloved pet in a local shelter.

“We are truly amazed and thankful for our competent and generous staff here at Great Bay Kennel,” said Carla McKiernan. “Their willingness to go above and beyond for these animals is inspiring. Offering our facility and services creates extra work for each of them and they have risen to the challenge. Great Bay Kennel Manager Kris Halsey and Assistant Manager Emily Vaughn have done an excellent job in preparing for the dogs’ arrival and all members of our crew have exceeded our expectations in their delivery of care. They make me very proud of our team.”

For information, visit our website at www.GBKENNEL.com

For more information about when the animals from Hurricane Irma will be available for adoption, contact the New Hampshire SPCA or view their adoptable animals page at www.nhspca.org.