CINCINNATI — While people are seeking shelter from Tropical Storm Ida in Louisiana, so are pets. The SPCA of Cincinnati took in more than 120 animals from the area and are getting them ready and healthy to find a forever home. 

Dozens of volunteers gathered to help unload 129 animals that made the trek from Louisiana.

​​​Like Ron Juenger, who has been a volunteer here since he retired  years ago.

“I went in and said what do you do here?" Juenger said. "And they said we help those who can’t help themselves. And I said that sounds good and I walked in the door and I’ve been here ever since.”

And on days like this, Juenger is in rescue mode, making sure each of these animals that made the plane ride from Louisiana to escape the hurricane feel loved right away.

Juenger said helping with these rescue missions is what giving back is all about.

“Oh you feel like a million dollars," he said. "It’s the most rewarding thing I ever did. I tell people I worked 34 years for Proctor and Gamble to prepare me for my life’s work.”

And while his encouraging words don’t come with a paycheck, “I get paid in wags and licks," Juenger said. "It’s more money than you could ever imagine.”

Juenger said finding a home for these animals is the goal.

“We shouldn’t take any time at all to find a home for them," he said.

The 129 animals taken in by SPCA Cincinnati are all from local shelters in Louisiana to make room for other displaced animals in the coming weeks.

“Now in times like this, you reach out beyond the borders and help wherever help is needed, and fortunately, they were able to do it and they’re stepping up today and doing it," Juenger said.

Now, the animals will all wait in their kennels before they’re checked out by vets in hopes to be adopted in a few weeks by someone that loves them as much as Juenger does.