“I am an NBC News correspondent currently working in Haiti covering the aftermath of the earthquake. I am also a pet parent to two dogs and a cat, all long-standing patients at Animal General (Judah, Sasha and Kirby Porter).

Since arriving in Haiti I have come to know a lovely dog. We don’t know her story for sure but as best we can tell she lost her home and her family in the disaster. She wanders the streets all day and hangs around our hotel, meekly waiting for scraps of food. She does not have the temperament of the average Haitian street dog: she is timid and gentle, wagging her tail shyly when she sees us; she loves being petted; she let one of our staff rub her belly with their foot. She is sweet and beautiful and I worry what will happen to her the longer she stays on the streets here in one of the world’s toughest environments for people and animals. I won’t tell you some of the horrifying acts I’ve seen committed against animals here, the latest just last night. They are things I wish I hadn’t seen. It breaks my heart to think of those things happening to this dog…”

Animal General learned that at the end of February, between Mara and the Humane Society, the dog was brought to the United States where “Soleil” now has a foster home in Miami. “She is learning how to live in a home and walk on a leash and as you’ll see, soaking up some sun.”

Animal General salutes the efforts of Mara and the Humane Society!

“While I can appreciate how important our agreeing to help Soleil was, it is easy for us to sit here and say yes to volunteering support while someone like you goes above and beyond to do the work that really makes what needs to happen, happen. Thank you for making it “happen” for Soleil.” – Karen Heidgerd.