TRUE Pet Food delivers relief for animals

When the winds died down and the floodwaters began to recede, the true cost of Hurricane Melissa slowly came into view. Beyond damaged homes and disrupted lives, another crisis unfolded quietly across the island: frightened animals left without food, shelter, or the families they depended on.

Dogs wandered through debris and standing water, searching for familiar scents and voices. Cats cried out from collapsed homes and damaged shelters. For many animals, the storm did not end when the rain stopped; it marked the beginning of a fight for survival.

Recognising the urgency of this moment, communities, veterinarians, and animal-welfare organisations rallied together, and TRUE Pet Food activated its ResQ Crew Emergency Relief Programme to answer the call. With focus, speed, and care, the brand became a lifeline for pets left vulnerable by the Category 5 hurricane.

Within days, 15,000 parcels of dog food were produced and distributed to the hardest-hit parishes. ResQ Crew teams coordinated feeding routes and relief runs, working hand-in-hand with shelters and local partners to reach pets abandoned, displaced, or separated from their families.

“Moments like this force you to rethink what truly matters,” shared Tina Hamilton, Senior Manager at TRUE Pet Food. “The safety of our people is critical, and that includes our animals. From the moment the storm passed, we knew we had to act. We committed thousands of food packages, partnered with veterinarians offering free medical care, and worked alongside anyone willing to help reach animals in need.”

Veterinarians on the ground saw the impact firsthand. Dr Jaxson Heffes explained, “TRUE understood that you can’t separate animal welfare from human welfare. By supporting pet owners and animals together, they embraced a ‘One Health’ approach that strengthens communities at their core.”

Animal-welfare advocates echoed this. Christelle Handal, owner of FJ Island Whiskers Cat Rescue, said, “They didn’t hesitate. TRUE removed all barriers, made food immediately available, and trusted rescuers to get supplies where they were needed most. That support helped families keep their pets and saved countless animals who suddenly had no one.”

The storm’s devastation extended beyond individual homes. The Iberostar Cat Sanctuary, once a safe haven for dozens of cats, was completely destroyed by Hurricane Melissa. In response, TRUE partnered with Iberostar to coordinate emergency placements, foster care, and adoption efforts, ensuring that even in loss, there would be hope and a path forward for every displaced cat.

“We believe that every act of care ripples far beyond the moment,” said Ayanna Waite, business development coordinator and TrueCares Lead. “When we step in for those who cannot speak for themselves, we are not just feeding pets; we are restoring hope, rebuilding trust, and proving that compassion is the foundation of every community. That is the TRUE promise.”