Heroes in the Hardest Hours: Rancher Navy & Wings of Rescue Step Up

Michelle Fern on Pet Life Radio

This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes two remarkable heroes of animal disaster relief: Amy Houston, Founder/Director of Rancher Navy, and Ric Browde, CEO & Co-President of Wings of Rescue. Fresh off being honored by NAVC Gives, these dedicated organizations share how they leapt into action during the devastating central Texas floods — delivering feed and supplies, rescuing displaced pets, and supporting ranchers and shelters when hope was running thin. Hear how Rancher Navy’s 24/7 volunteer force mobilizes aid for livestock communities, and how Wings of Rescue’s “boots in the sky” airlifts save animals from overcrowded shelters and disaster zones. It’s an inspiring look at courage, compassion, and the lifesaving impact of teamwork when animals need it most.


Listen to Episode #288 Now:

BIO:


About Rancher Navy
Founded on March 18, 2022, in response to devastating wildfires in central Texas, Rancher Navy has since become a vital force in disaster relief efforts across the state. From recovering from wildfires to providing aid after tornadoes and hurricanes, our mission is to stand by those in the agricultural community when they need it most. One of our most notable efforts includes our response to the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest wildfire in Texas history. At Rancher Navy, we believe in the strength of community and the resilience of our agricultural workers. We are committed to helping rebuild and restore the lands and lives affected by nature's most challenging moments. 

About Wings of Rescue
Wings of Rescue responds to nearly every major natural disaster in North America including hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods and volcanos by delivering emergency humanitarian and veterinary aid as well as pet supplies to disaster victims throughout North America. Wings of Rescue partners with shelters and a number of rescue groups throughout North America to facilitate the transportation of at-risk pets. These partners not only have the available space to take in and care for at-risk passengers, but  also have dedicated staff and volunteers who work in their local communities finding responsible and loving individuals and families to adopt each and every rescue.
About NAVC Gives
Created in 2023, NAVC Gives is a board-directed award program that has been initially funded by a $1 million commitment from the NAVC. Through this program, the NAVC will recognize and support individuals, groups and organizations around the world that have made a significant difference in the lives of veterinary professionals and animals. Unlike most award programs that have a set timetable for accepting nominations, NAVC Giveswill recognize accomplishments and notable achievements throughout the year based on the merit and impact of the application. Multiple awards may be given out each year and applications may be submitted throughout the year. Since its first awards were made in January, the NAVC Gives has awarded $130,000 among 10 honorees through this program. 

NAVC Gives builds upon the NAVC's long-standing commitment to philanthropic pursuits, which amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to members of the international veterinary community through scholarship programs such as the Dr. Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarships, the Michael J. Day AFSCAN Scholarship, the Colin F. Burrows International Scholar Program, free education subscriptions and conference registration, and other charitable donations. Learn more about NAVC Gives and submit nominations at https://navc.com/gives/.

About the NAVC
The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing veterinary professionals worldwide. The world’s leading provider of veterinary continuing education, the NAVC delivers essential training, tools and resources for veterinary professionals to stay abreast of advances in animal medicine and provide the best medical care for animals everywhere. Through its commitment to innovation and excellence, the NAVC has developed a diverse portfolio of products and services, including: educational events, headlined by VMX, the world’s largest, most comprehensive continuing education conference and launchpad for new products and innovations within the veterinary industry; a robust digital platform for virtual learning and engagement; the veterinary industry’s largest and award-winning portfolio of trade publications; and an advocacy arm which unites the veterinary community and pet lovers. The NAVC was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Orlando, FL. Since 2017, the NAVC has been recognized annually as one of the Top Workplaces by the Orlando Sentinel.


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