Pets Find Shelter In D.C. After Alabama Tornado

Adderley, a German shepherd pup, is one of the former pets rescued in the aftermath of the Alabama tornado.

"We're not getting any cough, all her lymph nodes are excellent. She's bright, she's alert, she's responsive," says Dr. Dan Shillito, with the Washington Animal Rescue League.

Shillito has given the 8-month-old, chocolate-colored puppy a clean bill of health.

"Every one of these dogs and kittens would have been euthanized or would have died back in Alabama, just because they're so overwhelmed," says Dr. Gary Weitzman, executive director of the League.

Weitzman says about a dozen of Adderley's fellow rescues are still in the hospital, recovering from infections and the injuries that a tornado can inflict on small pets.

"We're a full rehab facility, but we have to get them through the medical system here. That's going to take a couple weeks now," he says.

Weitzman say it will be about three weeks to a month before the animals are ready for adoption.