It's a rescue rig, it's a vet clinic, it's a temporary home for up to 15 responders of natural disasters, and for three days it was a tourist spot for Gettysburg residents.

The American Humane Association recently gave tours of their disaster relief big rig at the Gettysburg Village Outlets' suite 430 during the Adam's County SPCA's three day adoption event.

The two floor rig is fully equip with kitchen, wash and living area, and the resources to prepare for every type of natural disaster and gives animals a place to stay until they can be sent to a more permanent place.

Recently sponsored by animal planet, the American Humane Association has responded to such disasters as 9/11 and hurricane Katrina.

Connor Michael, who runs the rigs, and is a team leader, was deployed to New Orleans to help clean up after Hurricane Katrina for 45 days. He said the biggest issue was the health and safety of the workers.

He said that often the water was too contaminated to get into, and he will not put volunteers and staff in harms way.

"We tried to save as many as we could, but we had to leave some behind, you have to focus on the animals you can save, not the ones you have to leave behind," Michael said.

According to Tracy Reis, a program manager, in events like Katrina, a temporary shelter sometimes has to be set up, until animals can be taken to a humane society.

Michael was also deployed to New York City for 9/11 and has worked for the organization for about 15 years.

Based in Colorado, the American Humane Association started their animal rescue services in 1916, during World War 1, when requested by the President because so many horses were being wounded according Reis.

The rig is currently doing a nation-wide tour as a fundraiser for the organization.

"We're trying to help local humane organizations to partner with them and do more, help them adopt and bring more awareness," Reis said, "but if there was a disaster, our animals come first."

Right now, the organization is preparing for hurricane season, which is worst from August to September,

The American Humane Association requires about $400,000 to function each year, according to Lisa Conklin, president of the Adams's County SPCA, the government only supplies about $20,000 per year, the rest they get through fundraisers and private donations.

For more information on the Adams County SPCA contact Lisa at 357-2498

Learn more about this author, Erin Thompson.
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