After nearly two weeks without power, a Melbourne Beach animal hospital finally has its lights back on -- but the clean up is not over.
- St. Francis of Assisi Animal Hospital got power back Thursday
- Sustained some damage and water leaks
- Lost thousands of dollars in pet supplies, costly cleanup
- COMPLETE COVERAGE: Irma -- After the Storm
Polly the Parrot is the official greeter at St. Francis of Assisi Animal Hospital off SR A1A. But there's been no one to greet until today.
"An empty, deserted dark building," Dr. Debra Heitzman said. "The biologicals, animal smell, towels you can't wash. It all added up."
It smells bad here. Power was restored around 4 a.m. Thursday. It was knocked out during Hurricane Irma on Sept. 10.
Polly the parrot is the official greeter at St. Francis of Assisi Animal Hospital in Melbourne Beach. But the hospital only got power back Thursday, and the cleanup and repairs will be costly. (Greg Pallone, Staff)
They weathered other hurricanes, but the electricity would come back in a couple days.
The staff moved refrigerated medicines to a freezer, but it didn't last long and all of the supplies were ruined. The X-Ray machine isn't working.
"We just have to test things and see what works" -- the phone rings -- "well, at least the phone rings," said Dr. Heitzman.
The building held up with some minor structure damage and leaks, but without power and air conditioning for 12 days, the inside was nearly unbearable.
Dr. Heitzman says they are out thousands of dollars and are hoping their loyal customers will come in and make up for their losses.
"So far this morning I've been super busy, and I hope I stay busy," she said.
The hospital has been in touch with insurance adjusters and are optimistic their claims will be covered.