Hurricane Compassion: Man Saves Abandoned Pets from Hurricane Zones with ‘Noah’s Ark’-Like Bus

When it comes to saving abandoned pets (also sadly called “the disposables” or “the leftovers”) during disastrous hurricanes, animal rescuer, Tony Alsup of Greenback, Tennessee is a major force to be reckoned with. Alsup reaches into his own pockets and risks his own life by hauling animals left behind in areas about to be hit by natural disasters.

The 51-year-old animal lover has been called “a big hero for the little guys,” and the world loves him for his compassionate efforts. He has reportedly hauled animals out of hurricane zones in Texas, Florida, and has even flown to Puerto Rico to save shelter animals. “I’m like, look, these are lives too,” Alsup told The Greenville News.

During hurricane Florence last year, Alsup went to South Carolina to save more than 60 animals – 53 dog rescues and 11 cat rescues, and possibly more. He dropped them off in Foley, Alabama where they were sent to shelters across the country to be adopted. Initially, Alsup volunteered to transport abandoned pets in his semi-truck, but there was a miscommunication with the shelters as they assumed he meant he could transport them in the back.

So, instead, he purchased a $3,200 old school bus to bring supplies into hurricane zones and safely haul animals back out. The bus was dubbed “Noah’s Ark,” by The Washington Post. “Animals — especially shelter pets — they always have to take the back seat of the bus. But I’ll give them their own bus,” he said. “If I have to I’ll pay for all the fuel, or even a boat, to get these dogs out of there.”