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Making the best out of a bad situation by Cindy A. Abole Public Relations Ark it was not. But a miniature, maybe. One by one, in the loving arms of their owners, 160 or so animals trekked into MUSC's temporary pet shelter last week to escape yet another big storm.  They came in cages, boxes and even a fish bowl to be placed in the care of this ark's Noahs, Sue Pletcher, director of Patient Access Services/Health Information Services and Teresa Smith of TLC Pet Sitting Service.  Loaded down with vaccination papers, food and supplies, the pets and their owners checked into designated areas inside the Clinical Science Building.  “Setting up this pet care facility for working employees was terrific,” said Steven Saef, M.D., who works in emergency services. “When I had to put my family in a car to evacuate, my dog Smokey (a two-year old Weimaraner) became my only family on hand. Having the chance to see Smokey once in awhile helped ease the stress and tension from the whole situation.”  The shelter was established for the benefit of hospital staff who were assigned to be on duty during the weather emergency.  “I loved it,” said Barbara Burgis, who works with the Physical Plant. “Employees who had to work felt better about coming in knowing that their pets were close by. It was a positive experience.”  MUSC's ark was filled and included more than 160 pets—75 dogs, 75 cats, six birds and some fish. There were Scrappy, Sassy, Modie, Zoe, Prissy, Thumper and Squeeky. The initial mood of the room and its inhabitants was one of bewilderment. Some animals were excited, some docile, and a few anxious. It didn't take long before they calmed down and settled into their temporary home.  “Overall, the shelter worked out very well,” said Pletcher, herself an owner of two cats and a dog, who spent 72 hours at the makeshift shelter. “Everyone was very cooperative and always willing to help out.”