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Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Palm Beach County sent its first truck packed with supplies to the west coast of Florida.

Staff members said about 40 dogs and 40 cats will be picked up and brought back to Big Dog Ranch Rescue for special immediate care.

The animals will come from three different shelters from Lee County, into Naples through the Gulf Coast.

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In addition, about $30,000 worth of items like dog and cat food, towels, water, tarps, generators and blankets will go to families displaced with pets and shelters in need.

Organizers with Big Dog Ranch Rescue said when they heard about the conditions after Hurricane Ian hit, they knew they had to jump into action.

“It’s heart-wrenching to think about what these people are going through,” said Robin Friedman, executive director at Big Dog Ranch Rescue.

Friedman said the conversation with each person at each shelter has been emotional.

“When we told them we could bring 35 to 40 dogs, she broke out in tears. She was sobbing to us because they don’t have a choice. If those dogs don’t get out, they will probably have to be euthanized,” she said.

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