Animals affected by Katrina.

[Shanti]

I noticed there is some discomfort floating around when someone post about feeling bad for the animals affected by Katrina. We have many threads on the people, conditions, events and happenings.
I would like to have this thread for the animals.
Any links to help.
News of stuff happening.
Sharing of the hurt we feel for the animals.

I would like this to be a 'safe' place for people to be able to express their heart for the animals with having to explain or defend what they feel.
Thank you.

[Catiana]

I agree, I don't see anything wrong with expressing our sympathy for the animals also devastated by this or caring about what happens to them. It doesn't mean we have less sympathy or care for the humans.

I'm sure there are alot of lost, starving animals out there right now, and I feel bad for them.

[Shanti]

I know it bothers me a lot. I couldnt imagine my pets being in that circumstance.
They are so alone.:(

[Mother Goose]

I feel really bad for them too, and for the families who got out safe but couldn't save their larger animals. :( Dont' have any links right now, but I'll look around later.

[BlueMoon13]

:sniffsnif :wah: :nuhuh: :bangyourh :awwman: :heartbrea :rubhead:

[Shanti]

Yeah the families. Loosing their pets is just adding to their emotional strife.
Many feel the pain. A lot of pets are 'really' family.
The pets know they are family too.

[Catiana]

I know I would be devastated if I lost my kitties. The animals can't really fend for themselves, its not like a kitty can go loot a box of Friskies. Not to mention the poor wildlife that has been lost.

[TheGodthatYouFear]

I would imagine that anyone who doesn't have sympathy for the animals,
must not have any pets, or at least ones that they care about.

As far as I'm concerend, pets, animals in general, are just as much a part of the family.
I guess for some people though, the monetary value they put on their pets makes
them expendeble.

[Shanti]

Does anyone know how they find the owners of the surviving pets? With people being so dispersed I imagine many pets will be unclaimed. I hope they find homes for them all.

[Catiana]

They'll probably set up some kind of shelter so the people can try to find their pets. If they have tags, I guess eventually the owners will be called.

[Catiana]

I would imagine that anyone who doesn't have sympathy for the animals,
must not have any pets, or at least ones that they care about.

As far as I'm concerend, pets, animals in general, are just as much a part of the family.
I guess for some people though, the monetary value they put on their pets makes
them expendeble.

I know if I ever had to pack up the car to get the heck out of Dodge, it would the kids, the cats then whatever else I could fit. Stuff is just stuff, it can all be replaced, but as you said, animals are a part of the family.

[Shanti]

When we have to leave to go by my in-laws for tornadoes ( a few miles away) I take my dogs but I cant take the chickens or the tortoise or the other birds or bunny. There usually isnt enough time. My dogs come when called so they dont take anytime. My daughters has cried several times because the birds and chickens were left behind. I feel so guilty but I dont want to loose my daughter..she is only 7 so she just knows she doesnt want to leave 'her' pets behind and it hurts her deeply everytime a tornado warning comes..
If the worse did happen and she lost her birds..I dont know how I would handle the quilt nor her pain.
The birds and the bunny are her world and love.

[Catiana]

That's awful. I hope that you're daughter never has to lose her chickens and bunnies. It would be nice if these kinds of storms came with more warning, so people would have the time to gather the imporant things.

I'm lucky I live in a place that doesn't have to deal with tornadoes and hurricanes or earthquakes or any of those kinds of things.

[Shanti]

That's awful. I hope that you're daughter never has to lose her chickens and bunnies. It would be nice if these kinds of storms came with more warning, so people would have the times to gather the imporant things.

I wish that all the time and that we had a place with a basement!!! Cant afford to buy a house yet, we are in a darn trailer.
But when we can get a house with a basement, I am setting it up so the animals can quickly be placed down there. You have more time if the basement isnt a few miles away!!

[Catiana]

That's a really good idea. Do you have to go through it alot with the tornadoes?

[Shanti]

That's a really good idea. Do you have to go through it alot with the tornadoes?
Several times a year! Thats just life.
We just had 24 tornadoes in one day run through southern wisconsin, a little over a week ago..luckily I was missed but not by much. The areas hit are still recovering. We still have homeless people. Its still a mess.

I think thats one reson this disaster is hitting me so much. The tornado victims cried when they lost their pets. They lost houses but many felt more pain for their fur critters because for some, your pet cant be replaced. So its fresh for me.
I remember this one woman, a farmer. She lost everything but the horse barn and horses. She was talking about how her and her husband got all the chickens in their coop hoping they would live through the tornado. The tornado hit right after they put the last chicken in. They just made it to the basement.
Then she started talking about the coop being gone and the chickens. She started crying and kept repeating,"we cant find them their gone. We looked everywhere.". She just zoned into this mental pain and over and over again she kept repeating that while the tears fell. It was so heart breaking.

[Etoile]

I also feel bad for the animals. :(

[Shanti]

Anyone have any news on the animals?

[Isil Darkmoon]

Houston's Humane society is taking in a lot of animals from affected shelters, and holding food/supply drives for animals. The Houston Zoo is also taking in animals from one of Louisiana's zoos (I forget which one.) Baton Rouge, I believe, is also taking in transported shelter animals from various devistated shelters. So some's being done.. not as much as I might hope, but it's being worked on.

The Houston Humane Society 14700 Almeda Road, just south of Beltway 8 needs pet food of all types, towels and blankets most of all. Monetary donations can also be made online at ww.houstonhumane.org Shelters and hotels needing assistance in caring for animals displaced by Katrina can call 713-433-6421. Houston Humane is taking in a great number of animals bussed from humane societies and shelters in affected areas indefinately.

from a lJ community:
Hurricane Katrina, comment was posted in the New Orleans community

i JUST got thru to the southern animal foundation building (1800 block of magazine) they are loading the truck which just reached them and will be leaving the city headed to baton rouge ASAP. the truck is refrigerated and they are taking all the animals they can with them.

[Shanti]

Thanks Isil. Its good to hear that some animals are being saved. Each one helped is a hope for another.

[Agaliha]

I noticed there is some discomfort floating around when someone post about feeling bad for the animals affected by Katrina. We have many threads on the people, conditions, events and happenings.
I would like to have this thread for the animals.
Any links to help.
News of stuff happening.
Sharing of the hurt we feel for the animals.
I would like this to be a 'safe' place for people to be able to express their heart for the animals with having to explain or defend what they feel.
Thank you.


Thank you, Shanti.
Last night when I saw the N.O zoo and the animals I started bawling. I was SO sad.
I'm annoyed with people who dimiss them as "expendable" because no, they are not. It took nine years for them to get the baby rhino born. That is a long time! And that baby rhino can be bred later and keep the species alive. And all the world's species are dwindeling-- sometimes zoos are the only hope.

Good new though: WtchyChick13 found and posted this in another thread
Audubon Zoo Update
http://news.mongabay.com/2005/0830-new_orleans_aquarium.html (http://news.mongabay.com/2005/0830-new_orleans_aquarium.html)

As for all the others zoos and pets I do not know.

Here is a Humane Society Update (http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/the_hsus_disaster_animal_response_team_deploys_to_hurricane_zone.html)

You can also find banners like the one I have in my sig there too, to spread it around.
http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/hurricane_katrina_donation_banners.html (http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/hurricane_katrina_donation_banners.html)

I'm going to give 25$ to them to help...I wish I can give more, but I have DRs bills and a terminated cell phone and college things to pay for and no job. :(

I lit a candle last night for all the animals too, so they were not forgotten.

[Brónach Druid]

I am so glad you started this post. I always feel devastated for the animals and their owners during crisis situations like this one. We live in a Hurricane area and have occasional tornado's thankfully in the past we were always able to take all of our pets and go to a family members house when the need arose. My animals are family, I cannot image what I would do if I was told I had to leave them behind. Many of the animal shelters where I live offer to take in pets during evacuations. They set up shelters in much the same way the people ones are. I think this is a wonderful idea.
As far as information goes, this site is normally up to date on any crisis. It seems to be a wonderful organization from what I have seen so far.
http://www.noahswish.org/

[LadyCelt]

I wish I had link but form aim there were links to donate and I donated to the humane society for relief.

I feel its important too cause I feel people may forget this. Pets are a blessing to us and I feel they are very special and important.

[enchancea]

Honestly the first thing I thought of when I saw all of the images on tv were the animals. I was watching it yesterday with my family and a group of people were on their roof with their dog and I was so happy that they got their dog. If it were me Id probably die trying to save all of my animals, I couldnt imagine having to leave them. Im gonna put a banner up in my siggy too and give them some money.

[Agaliha]

Honestly the first thing I thought of when I saw all of the images on tv were the animals. I was watching it yesterday with my family and a group of people were on their roof with their dog and I was so happy that they got their dog. If it were me Id probably die trying to save all of my animals, I couldnt imagine having to leave them. Im gonna put a banner up in my siggy too and give them some money.

Same with me...I thought of the animals first. I kept getting images of drowning cats and wimpering dogs in my mind. My pets are like my children, my family would do anything to save them. Then again if I lived on the coasts that always get hit I wouldn't have pets...well small pets (rodents etc)-- because I couldn't deal with the loss of others.

[Agaliha]

Does anyone know who badly Florida was hit?
I was just thinking about all the manatees down there...they have a sanctuary and stuff.
I love manatees, I just hope they are okay too.
http://www.savethemanatee.org/ (http://www.savethemanatee.org/)
I'm going to adopt one soon.

[Childof_theMorrigan]

thanks for putting up this thread... i was getting a little hot under the collar reading other threads that basically dismissed animals as being less important than humans. Why is it that we think we rule the earth? Why is it that we think we're the most important and that everything else has to bow to our whims? gah.

we share the earth, not own it or claim lordship over it

[starfire]

Does anyone know how they find the owners of the surviving pets? With people being so dispersed I imagine many pets will be unclaimed. I hope they find homes for them all.


Wow I didn't even think about animals until you posted this. Thanks!
I hope they have them microchipped. Yet another great reason for doing so. I think it is becoming more common around here. Our dog is, but you know, I don't know if my cat is. Better go check with the vet.

I am sure many have died in the waters and such just like the people. I am sure they also don't have room for them, it has been hard enough just trying to get the people to safety.

This is really sad

[Agaliha]

Here are some pet centered new story links:

Animal Rescue Group `Noah's Wish' Appeals for Donations to Help Rescue Pets in the Aftermath of Katrina (http://au.biz.yahoo.com/050831/21/8bye.html)

Animal Rescue Groups Join Hurricane Katrina Relief (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/kcra/20050830/lo_kcra/2909459)

Best Friends Helping Reunite Pets With People Affected by Hurricane Katrina (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050831/law108.html?.v=12)

Katrina Forces Pets To Seek New Homes In SA (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ksat/20050831/lo_ksat/2909305)

Hotels relax policies on pets (http://www.kron4.com/Global/story.asp?S=3785729)

Humane Society seeks donations for animal victims of Katrina (http://www.gazette.net/200535/frederickcty/updates/292376-1.html)

Katrina’s victims have four legs, too (http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=ea2b431a7039f914)

And also, because I don't want people to get weird about this as they have with the mention of animals. I was also sad about the libraries. To me libraries are a sanctuary, I love them and I always have. I am even going to be a librarian. So when things like this happen I also look at the damage of those. I'm gald this didn't happen where the Library Congress is-- SO much knowledge and books that could never be replaced would be lost forever. Just thinking about the loss of the 1000s of scrolls in the Library of Alexandria that got burned depresseds me.
Here is library update (http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=news&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=103251)
Also the thought of all the historic buildings and things that are part of America's hisory is a sad loss as well...so are all the trees that have been living there for hundreds of years.
These are all things people don't think of, but are sad as well.

[moonchild]

I saw the pictures of the aquarium a few days ago and it still haunts me....I mean, those animals have NO way of finding cover at all.....nothing like being absolutely screwed.

sigh....this is why i'm glad that the only thing we deal with is blizzards....at least we can shovel our way out and create heat somehow.

[Agaliha]

I saw the pictures of the aquarium a few days ago and it still haunts me....I mean, those animals have NO way of finding cover at all.....nothing like being absolutely screwed.


Yeah, totally. I saw that and thought of the zoos and was like ohhhhhh no!. I think a lot of those fish and water living creatures are actually in the water. I would think some have survived and are just swimming around. But with all those toxins I don't think it will be for long.
**Also another thing people don't think about-- that released TONS of un-native fish and species into our waters. That screws up OUR ecosystems. That's why counties don't allow animals to be taken in and out of the borders. It's a huge mess that can mean deaths of other native species.
**I remember reading dolphins were placed in a hotel swimming pool...I wonder what happened to them...?
**Also there are reports of SNAKES (I forget the name of them...they're something deadly) all over and people are dying from bites.
** And last light I heard a story about a Aligator/Crocodile farm being hit and all of them were lose in the water. One younger guy had to swim in the infested waters and save an 80-90 year old couple trapped in their car...

[Agaliha]

Ok, I just got this update in my email from HSUS:

Our National Disaster Animal Response Teams (DART) in Jackson, Mississippi, and Texas are ready to move into the worst-hit regions to respond to the hundreds of pleas for help from pet owners affected by Hurricane Katrina.

More than 30 experienced HSUS rescue staff and volunteers trained in animal rescue are coordinating with state officials, federal agencies, and other organizations to start evacuating animals out of the most-affected areas. They'll also begin establishing pet-friendly shelters and delivering supplies, resources, and medical assistance.

The Louisiana SPCA evacuated all the animals from its shelter over the weekend according to its disaster response plan, which had been developed over the course of several tropical storms and hurricanes in past years. The shelter houses animals on the now-flooded Japonica Street in New Orleans. What You Can Do
» Ask your friends and family to contribute to our Disaster Relief Fund.

» Post a banner on your own website or weblog.

» Read more about our efforts to bring aid to those in need.

Working with the Houston SPCA, rescuers saved an estimated 300 animals from the nightmarish conditions in post-hurricane New Orleans.

Reports about the toll to wildlife, captive wildlife, farm animals, and pets lost to the ravages of Katrina have been slow in coming. Six dolphins from a Gulfport aquarium, Marine Life Oceanarium, were first evacuated to hotel swimming pools and then later moved to facilities in Florida. The HSUS is investigating the deaths of at least three sea lions from the same facility who were featured on CNN and other news channels both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hurricane Katrina is one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. Its effects will be felt for many months after the flood waters finally recede. The HSUS is committed to bringing relief to victims of this terrible tragedy. Our DARTs will be on the ground in the hardest-hit areas for as long as needed. Our thoughts are with those who are suffering and waiting for rescue.

[semi]

Some good news animal stories I've heard today.

A man swam through the water for 8 hours with his 2 big dogs. Rescue boats passed by to pick him up, but wouldn't take the dogs. So he swam 8 hours with them until the 3 of them made it to safety.

A teenaged girl made it to safety, crying and holding her dog.

Just now on television they showed a dog being carried in a plastic tote as though he was too old to walk. But his people carried him in the tote and pushed the tote along the ground rather than leave him behind. They probably floated the tote over the water, too.

So I think the animal situation is similar to the people situation: many died, but many made it out as well.

[Shanti]

Some good news animal stories I've heard today.

A man swam through the water for 8 hours with his 2 big dogs. Rescue boats passed by to pick him up, but wouldn't take the dogs. So he swam 8 hours with them until the 3 of them made it to safety.

A teenaged girl made it to safety, crying and holding her dog.

Just now on television they showed a dog being carried in a plastic tote as though he was too old to walk. But his people carried him in the tote and pushed the tote along the ground rather than leave him behind. They probably floated the tote over the water, too.

So I think the animal situation is similar to the people situation: many died, but many made it out as well.

Now that made me cry...beautiful.
Thank you so much for posting this.
I need to go and have a good healthy cry.

Beautiful stories. :hugz:

[Agaliha]

Some good news animal stories I've heard today.
A man swam through the water for 8 hours with his 2 big dogs. Rescue boats passed by to pick him up, but wouldn't take the dogs. So he swam 8 hours with them until the 3 of them made it to safety.
A teenaged girl made it to safety, crying and holding her dog.
Just now on television they showed a dog being carried in a plastic tote as though he was too old to walk. But his people carried him in the tote and pushed the tote along the ground rather than leave him behind. They probably floated the tote over the water, too.
So I think the animal situation is similar to the people situation: many died, but many made it out as well.

Awww. Well I am glad to hear some are surviving. I only hope they can get proper food and water for them.
Those stories just show how much people will go to to save their animals. I would do the same!

What about cats though? I have a sicking suspicion that most of the cats are dead or dying. Fear of water and their tendency to hide in small spaces (like an attic) and not really be as vocal as dogs are make me worry. I can't image putting/seeing my cats go though that.

I wish that those animals that are far too gone-- starved, dehydrated, injured and dying-- I wish there could be someone there to euthanize them so they are not in pain and suffering.

[semi]

I made a mistake about the guy with the 2 dogs. He actually had 3 dogs that he swam with until they all reached safety. They just showed him holding one of his dogs and crying, saying "I never would've left them. Surviving wouldn't have been worth it if I left them behind."

[Childof_theMorrigan]

:wah2: happy and sad tears together

[enchancea]

I seen the thing with that guy also and the one with the people carrying thier old dog in the blue tote and the cop put the people and their dog in his car to get them help.

[starfire]

cool

[halfwaynowhere]

i was just thinking about the animals earlier, before i saw this thread... the aftermath of Katrina is plastered all over the news, ican't turn on my TV without hearing about it, but everybody is concerned about the people, and their material belongings... not that they aren't important, but i know people must have pets, what happened to them... the only mention i heard of animals at all was somebody said they treated their dog better than how they saw some people being treated... so, with all the people huddled inside the astrodome and churches, and wherever they are, where are all their pets? you don't see cats and dogs running around in the pictures on the news... and the native animals, their habitats are completely destroyed, but i'm more concerned about the house pets, as they have no way of surviving on their own without people bringing them their food... anyways, i just wish this whole thing would be over with and everyone would be okay...

[~Anamorata~]

I know if I ever had to pack up the car to get the heck out of Dodge, it would the kids, the cats then whatever else I could fit. Stuff is just stuff, it can all be replaced, but as you said, animals are a part of the family.

That would be me...kids, dogs and whatever I could fit in the car! If I can't fit the others in the car, it would be replaced. As for my family, and yes, that includes my dogs, they come first and foremost.

[Kyan's Daddy]

Well, I posted about this in another thread, but the company I work for, IDEXX Laboratories, is donating money for the care of these animals, as well as free laboratory testing (we're an international animal laboratory... No, I don't mean animal testing, I mean, when you go to the vet for bloodwork, and it's specialized and your vet can't handle it, we do it...) for the animals affected by the storm.

IDEXX has also donated money to set up animal hospitals in foreign countries.

[Agaliha]

That's really good to hear, Kyan's Daddy....I'm glad people are helping out.

And sorry for coming off bitchy in my post in the other thread, but I am just sick of how people treat and view animals. Maybe I should be a animal rescuer or activist, I don't know. It's something that really others me.

[Shanti]

Pets not allowed on buses. Evacuees must leave them behind. Its ok to feel bad. The animals dont want to be left behind either.

[Agaliha]

HUMANE SOCIETY UPDATE
(Copied from my email)

In the past few days, we have all watched in horror and disbelief at the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina.
In the midst of this tragedy, all of us at The Humane Society of the United States have been heartened by the tremendous outpouring of support for our disaster relief efforts in the region. I'm proud to say that because of your support, our response to assist animals and their caregivers has been immediate.

Shortly after the hurricane slammed into the Gulf Coast, HSUS teams were on the ground determining the areas where the most critical relief was needed. Today, experienced HSUS rescue staff and volunteers are working with state officials, federal agencies, and other organizations to evacuate animals out of the hardest-hit areas. They are also establishing pet-friendly shelters and delivering supplies, resources, and medical assistance.

In Louisiana, we’re helping to set up an emergency facility at the Coliseum in Baton Rouge where strays will be brought, evaluated, and then transported to safety. While thousands of people are being evacuated from the New Orleans Superdome and relocated to Houston to be sheltered in the Astrodome, HSUS volunteers are helping transport animals from evacuees arriving at the Astrodome and ferrying them to the temporary shelter, which will be fully operational today.

In Mississippi, seven HSUS disaster field teams left to conduct damage and needs assessments and to provide help as they find needs from Jackson south to the Hattiesburg area. The HSUS team includes about 35 trained responders and 8-10 vehicles (plus trailers and RVs), including the HSUS Disaster Response Unit. Team capabilities include companion animals, horses, farm animals, and wildlife. The team leaders are pushing very hard to get help to Gulfport, Mississippi, but at this time Route 49 is open only to state-authorized emergency vehicles.

We will continue to keep you updated on our efforts and we expect to be granted more access to the hard hit areas over the weekend. So many pets are trapped and alone, and we are determined to find and rescue them. And - we plan on being there as long as it takes.

I'm so glad something is being done and some are surviving

And that pic was with this update. I almost started crying at the sight of that little boy and kitten. :sadeyes: .

[Shanti]

Thank you BF...that pic makes me think of the little boy who had his dog taken away and he cried till he was sick.
How can they seperate a child survivor from their pet survivor...they need each other!

[SilverMaiden]

BlessedFeather you should become a rescurer and/or foster home for pets if you can.

I'll be honest, it will be one of the hardest, heartbreaking, financially stretching and yet joyous responsibilities you'll ever have. You'll both love and hate humans. You'll weep and praise the instictiveness and strength of animals. You'll learn the strengths and weaknesses of both, humans and the animals you work with.

[Agaliha]

BlessedFeather you should become a rescurer and/or foster home for pets if you can.

I'll be honest, it will be one of the hardest, heartbreaking, financially stretching and yet joyous responsibilities you'll ever have. You'll both love and hate humans. You'll weep and praise the instictiveness and strength of animals. You'll learn the strengths and weaknesses of both, humans and the animals you work with.

Well I can't foster as I live with my parents and we have four cats, a dog and three mice. My animals cannot handle my older sister coming over here, they are that paranoid. Anyone that knocks on the door freaks them out-- they don't come out of hiding till the early morning the next day, give or take a few hours of each cats degree of paranoia. (not the dog, the cats). So having "foreign" animals in our home would never work.

I'd love to rescue though or work at a shelter or vet's place...

[SilverMaiden]

A lot of rescuses need help with feeding, walking, evaluating, training, transporting and doing home visits.

You may not be able to foster at your home, but many fosters could use helping hands. :D

[Agaliha]

A lot of rescuses need help with feeding, walking, evaluating, training, transporting and doing home visits.
You may not be able to foster at your home, but many fosters could use helping hands. :D

Well I live no where near where Katrina hit. I live in WA state. So shelters are my best bet for helping animals.

[enchancea]

Thanks for the updates. Im really glad things are going well with animal rescues. I know I would not leave my house without my animals, they are my babies and I would give my life for them in an instant. If they wouldnt let me on a bus with my animals I wouldnt go, I feel so bad for these people having to give up their animals so they can live.

[enchancea]

i was just thinking about the animals earlier, before i saw this thread... the aftermath of Katrina is plastered all over the news, ican't turn on my TV without hearing about it, but everybody is concerned about the people, and their material belongings... not that they aren't important, but i know people must have pets, what happened to them... the only mention i heard of animals at all was somebody said they treated their dog better than how they saw some people being treated... so, with all the people huddled inside the astrodome and churches, and wherever they are, where are all their pets? you don't see cats and dogs running around in the pictures on the news... and the native animals, their habitats are completely destroyed, but i'm more concerned about the house pets, as they have no way of surviving on their own without people bringing them their food... anyways, i just wish this whole thing would be over with and everyone would be okay...
I have seen some animals on the news. I seen the one where a lady and her son were carrying their elderly dog in a crate. A couple walking in water with their 2 small dogs, a guy crying about swimming for hours with his 3 dogs and people sitting and waiting for help with a small poodle like dog and I seen a family on their roof the other day with their dog waiting for help.

[LadyCelt]

I hope to donate more next month if its still up with humane society to donate for sure. Just as we should put ourselves in other peoples' places, we shoudl put our pets in other pets' places. I know my cat would sure need help and care and to survive.

[Agaliha]

I hope to donate more next month if its still up with humane society to donate for sure. Just as we should put ourselves in other peoples' places, we shoudl put our pets in other pets' places. I know my cat would sure need help and care and to survive.

LadyCelt, the Humane Society is a year round orginization. They deal with the pets and animals in the US, as well as those effected by disasters. And I have a feeling they will be needing help for the effects of Katrina for a long time. But also, around the US there are pets and animals in shelters and things that need help as well. So help wherever and whenever you can. :)

[WAHM-Brenda]

I'm sorry but I think that a lot of people forget that animals have souls too!

=^..^= Pastor Brenda
Ordained ULC Minister
yourhealthyfamily@consultant.com
An Eclectic Christian (http://www.yourhealthyfamilyhome.com)
Discover a way to increase your health and/or income! (http://practicalsolution.info)


http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/numerology.jpg (http://www.mysticwicks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=205)

http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/katrina.jpg

http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/katrina2.jpg

[Agaliha]

Some more HSUS updates and things

(from the site: hsus.org)

JACKSON, Miss. and WASHINGTON – Late last night, rescuers with The Humane Society of the United States, working with The Humane Society of South Mississippi, picked up 42 cats and 89 dogs in Gulfport, Miss. and drove them to a staging area Jackson, Miss. There they are providing triage medical care and temporary shelter for the animals before arranging to transfer them to animal shelters around the country.

“We were finally allowed to enter hurricane-ravaged Gulfport last night,” said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO, “where one of our rapid response strike teams was able to rescue a large group of animals. Another highly-trained HSUS animal disaster team is based in Louisiana, and is poised to enter New Orleans as soon as access is allowed. We believe it is imperative that we get into that devastated region as soon as possible to increase the chances that we can evacuate the thousands of animals who remain in dire circumstances.”

The HSUS been inundated with thousands of calls with requests to rescue pets who were left behind or perhaps denied entrance to the Superdome or other shelters...

“The outpouring of concern from people around the country has been overwhelming,” said Pacelle. “They recognize that animals are suffering, too. Rescuing abandoned pets can offer some peace of mind to the people whose lives have been shattered by this disaster, and The Humane Society of the United States is determined to do everything we can to help.”

More Than $3.5 Million in Donations for Animal Rescue/Relief Has Poured In

****

Stranded, Starving, and Suffering: Farm Animals in the Wake of Katrina

(from site: hsus.org)

The camera’s aerial view panned across ravaged sheds, torn apart by the tornado spawned by Hurricane Katrina. Slowly, the camera zoomed in, spotlighting broiler chickens dotting the debris-covered ground, some still alive, many dead. More than a dozen workers hastily grabbed three or four live birds at a time and threw them into transport carriers.

Carroll County, Georgia, was struck by a confirmed tornado on Monday afternoon, leveling at least 30 chicken sheds and killing an estimated 375,000 birds. Economic losses are thought to total $5 million for that county alone in the top broiler-producing state in the country.

As stories from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi roll in, the toll exacted on farm animals by Hurricane Katrina grows increasingly higher. Cattle raised for beef are stranded in southern Louisiana, surrounded by salt water and running out of food. The roofs on up to 30 chicken sheds in Alabama were blown off by the high winds, and an estimated 600,000 birds are left to bear the severe weather. Mississippi, ranked fourth in the nation in chicken meat production, had hundreds of chicken sheds, each confining thousands of birds, damaged by the storms.

Factory Farming Exacerbates Hurricane's Impact

Indeed, with hurricanes and tornados come fierce winds, power outages, water shortages, and buildings housing thousands—if not hundreds of thousands—of animals being ripped apart and even collapsing on those captive inside.

“We will not forget the millions of farm animals devastated by this natural disaster. Their deaths by crushing buildings, dehydration, or injury are not merely ‘economic losses.’ As our disaster rescue teams move further into the region, we will do whatever we can to help end the suffering of those still languishing,” said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO.

“The destruction caused by Katrina has left countless farm animals trapped in filthy pens, stalls, cages, and sheds without food or water,” said Miyun Park, director of Farm Animal Welfare for The HSUS. “Just because these animals are being raised for food doesn’t mean they should not be humanely cared for.”

Had Hurricane Katrina and her wrath hit the region 60 years ago, the story would have been much different. Small farms have been displaced by larger industrialized animal factories, in which more and more animals are crammed into smaller spaces. Automated waterers, feeders, ventilation systems, and, with egg-laying hens, egg collection belts come to a grinding halt when utilities fall prey to storms and back-up generators aren’t enough. “When power systems fail, animals in intensive confinement systems are particularly vulnerable, put at risk by stifling summer heat, toxic ammonia, and limited or inaccessible food and water,” added Park.

In Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, animal agriculture is big business. Using each state’s annual production figures, HSUS estimates that the current population of cows, pigs, chickens, and other farm animals – prior to the arrival of Katrina - was a staggering 635 million animals.

“In 1999, when Hurricane Floyd hit North Carolina, flood waters washed out pig factory farm manure lagoons, choking coastal rivers with waste and tens of thousands of rotting hog carcasses. The waste reportedly created a 350-square-mile dead zone in our nation’s second-largest estuary, creating a massive fish kill. In addition to the pigs killed by the hurricane, about 2 million chickens and 700,000 turkeys were drowned in the aftermath,” said Michael Greger, M.D., director of public health and animal agriculture of The HSUS Farm Animal Welfare Section.

Picture caption:
Surviving chickens huddle in the corner of the remains of a chicken coop on the Eidson poultry farm near Roopville, Ga., on Tuesday. The farm was ravaged by a tornado from Hurricane Katrina as it tore through Carroll County, Ga. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)

And a man clutching his dog.


all text and pics copyright to HSUS.org....embelishments (color, size and bold) by me

That's really sad :sadeyes: ...it's not just the pets that are effected...it's all animals.

[Agaliha]

Here is another organizion devoted to helping the animals

Hugs for Homeless Animals (http://www.h4ha.org/)

[HeavensHope]

I heard on CNN that alot of the families had to leave their pets behind.

My family use to raise chickens and ducks...that's sad, poor animals.

[Faery-Wings]

This what I am doing to help:
http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=106564 (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=106564)

[TaysatWesir]

I read in the newspaper today that a zookeeper in Audubon zoo and most of its 1,400 animals survived the hurricane.

[Philosophia]

I am so happy to read that animals are being looked after and cared for. I know I would be utterly devastated if my cat died and I couldn't reach her. Just thinking about it make me teary! So thank you to everybody who is helping this. I have donated as much as I can and hope to do more.

[Agaliha]

On Oprah today they had a story about a DR who stayed for 7 days without food and water and lived in the hospital with all the animals (dogs and cats) he promised the people he would keep safe. He woildn't leave until the animals could be saved and go as well.
The red-orange helicopter that crashed was going to pick him up. But because of the crash they were suck there another day.
Matthew McConahay (sp?) went to help him out and load all the animals though the flooded streets.

The DR is a great guy in my book. He risked his life (without food and water) to help the animals.

[semi]

Howard Stern's girlfriend (I have no ideas what her name is) is working with a group called North Shore Animal Rescue to get people to donate vans, crates, food, etc. so they can go get as many animals as possible out of there and cared for. Their phone number is 1-877-4SAVEPET (1-877-473-8373).

[enchancea]

Howards gf last I checked was some model named Beth.
I got this in my email from Care2 today:
Please help support American Humane's animal rescue operation at http://go.care2.com/e/EHL/AJ/n1GA (http://go.care2.com/e/EHL/AJ/n1GA)

And heres an update link to keep track of whats going on:
http://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pa_disaster_relief (http://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pa_disaster_relief)

[enchancea]

I read in the newspaper today that a zookeeper in Audubon zoo and most of its 1,400 animals survived the hurricane.
CNN said that only 2 animals in the zoo died, which were 2 otters

[WAHM-Brenda]

You know it's sooo amazing to hear some of these awesome stories trickling in.

=^..^= Pastor Brenda
Ordained ULC Minister
yourhealthyfamily@consultant.com
An Eclectic Christian (http://www.yourhealthyfamilyhome.com)
Discover a way to increase your health and/or income! (http://practicalsolution.info)


http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/numerology.jpg (http://www.mysticwicks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=205)

http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/katrina.jpg

http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/katrina2.jpg

http://www.stvgr.net/dhf/dolls/dhf_rainbowgoddess.gif
I chose this doll because she truly reminds me of the colors of my aura

[BlueMoon13]

Not sure about some of the other shelters, but at the one set up here in Mass. the people can bring their pets with them :hearteyes . I can't imagine being separated from my furbabies.... :yikes:

[enchancea]

There was a thing on cnn about how they are shooting dogs left behind now:
Update from Pasado Rescue in New Orleans - horrible news!
This was on their front page at this address:
http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/NEWS.htm (http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/NEWS.htm)
UPDATE: 4:03pm PST Authorities have informed our rescue team that they have three days to rescue all dogs before they start shooting them. They believe that dogs are eating dead bodies to stay alive and need to eliminate them. We are outraged. Animal rescue groups were not allowed into the water until last Tuesday. To give us just another 72 hours to get a job, of biblical proportions done, is ludicrous. We are
doing our best to beg for more time. We would ask you to call or write to someone but frankly, the lines of communications are so poor, we have no clue where you can begin. Because our team is on the ground, they have direct contact with law enforcement. If we have to, we'll work 'under the radar' to get the job done.
UPDATE: 1:18pm PST Our team is heading into the hot zone with a team from AZ. They must wear dry suits to be allowed into the toxic waters. They are using a list of abandoned pets that pet owners have supplied to a national database. They are breaking and entering to get the animals out. Many are too weak to bark, or come to a window or door.


Officials Shooting Dogs in Louisiana—Feds Must Hear from You Today!
In the latest and most graphic display of our government's abandonment of animal-handling guidelines in disasters that were created with PETA's help years ago, some law enforcement agencies are now shooting dogs left stranded in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.
Revolting video footage posted on the Web site of the Dallas Morning News shows officers shooting dogs. At least one of their victims survived the gunshots and was apparently left to die a slow, agonizing death amid debris from the storm.

Heres the video of it:
http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/photography/2005/katrina_video/straydogs.html (http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/photography/2005/katrina_video/straydogs.html)
I didnt watch so I cant say how bad it is

URGENT! CNN wants people to tell them what priority rescuing pets should be given!!
CNN is asking people to write in on what priority rescuing pets should
be given. WRITE!!!
the e-mail address they want you to write to is: caffertyfile@cnn.com

[Isil Darkmoon]

There was a thing on cnn about how they are shooting dogs left behind now:
Update from Pasado Rescue in New Orleans - horrible news!
This was on their front page at this address:
http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/NEWS.htm (http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/NEWS.htm)
UPDATE: 4:03pm PST Authorities have informed our rescue team that they have three days to rescue all dogs before they start shooting them. They believe that dogs are eating dead bodies to stay alive and need to eliminate them. We are outraged. Animal rescue groups were not allowed into the water until last Tuesday. To give us just another 72 hours to get a job, of biblical proportions done, is ludicrous. We are
doing our best to beg for more time. We would ask you to call or write to someone but frankly, the lines of communications are so poor, we have no clue where you can begin. Because our team is on the ground, they have direct contact with law enforcement. If we have to, we'll work 'under the radar' to get the job done.
UPDATE: 1:18pm PST Our team is heading into the hot zone with a team from AZ. They must wear dry suits to be allowed into the toxic waters. They are using a list of abandoned pets that pet owners have supplied to a national database. They are breaking and entering to get the animals out. Many are too weak to bark, or come to a window or door.


Officials Shooting Dogs in Louisiana—Feds Must Hear from You Today!
In the latest and most graphic display of our government's abandonment of animal-handling guidelines in disasters that were created with PETA's help years ago, some law enforcement agencies are now shooting dogs left stranded in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.
Revolting video footage posted on the Web site of the Dallas Morning News shows officers shooting dogs. At least one of their victims survived the gunshots and was apparently left to die a slow, agonizing death amid debris from the storm.

Heres the video of it:
http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/photography/2005/katrina_video/straydogs.html (http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/photography/2005/katrina_video/straydogs.html)
I didnt watch so I cant say how bad it is

URGENT! CNN wants people to tell them what priority rescuing pets should be given!!
CNN is asking people to write in on what priority rescuing pets should
be given. WRITE!!!
the e-mail address they want you to write to is: caffertyfile@cnn.com


I'm not finding that bit on the Pasado news page?

[enchancea]

Seems it was posted on the 9th and they dont keep a archive so I guess its gone now

[WAHM-Brenda]

This is absolutely outrageous!!!

=^..^= Pastor Brenda
Ordained ULC Minister
yourhealthyfamily@consultant.com
An Eclectic Christian (http://www.yourhealthyfamilyhome.com)
Discover a way to increase your health and/or income! (http://practicalsolution.info)


http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/numerology.jpg (http://www.mysticwicks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=205) http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/katrina.jpg http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/katrina2.jpg

[Zhr Morgana]

I saw that someone posted a link for Noah's Wish (http://www.http://www.noahswish.org/) earlier, but I thought I'd mention it again...there's also the ASPCA (http://www.myaspca.org) which I believe is also doing what they can. If I wasn't already strapped for cash I'd donate money to both places...I will as soon as I can get the extra cash. It makes up for my want to go over there and be part of the animal rescue team. Also, I want to donate to the Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org) and do my part to help the human survivors who need help too. My heart goes out to both the people and the animals hurt by Katrina.

[Zhr Morgana]

80 dogs rescued!!!!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9304441/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9304441/)

[Agaliha]

Here is a pic slid show from HSUS of animals they rescured

http://www.hsus2.org/slideshow-katrina/

They have some nice ones and some sad ones...it's worth a look.

[Agaliha]

From an email HSUS update:

On Wednesday, one of our Disaster Animal Response Teams in New Orleans rescued a St. Bernard from a rooftop – a dog they described as the most emaciated animal they had ever seen in all their years of handling animals. The veterinarian who treated the dog was shocked that the animal, who weighed just 40 pounds, was still alive.
Who helped us rescue this animal? It was several National Guardsmen, who heeded our rescuers’ pleas to take them through the water on a tank so they could get up on the roof to save the dog.

But the troops’ actions were not ordered by the National Guard – nor by the White House, the Defense Department, the Department of Homeland Security, or the state of Louisiana. In fact, despite our repeated requests, none of these entities has formally agreed to marshal their ground forces to help rescue the pets and other animals slowly starving to death in the affected areas.

At a press conference just a few hours ago, I implored the federal government to come up with the nation's first animal rescue plan. Now, I am writing to ask you to give them the same message: Please call or email President Bush and other officials today and urge them to help us before it’s too late. (https://community.hsus.org/ct/mdqwFD61fR5v/)

Time is running out for these animals. Every hour that passes means more pets, locked behind closed doors in the disaster zone, will die of starvation. Our teams are working as hard as they can to reach as many pets as they can - and as we reported to you on Wednesday, we’ve rescued thousands. But there are thousands more.

At this 11th hour, when so many lives are at stake, we are asking you to help. I urge you to contact these government officials today and ask them to help rescue animals before it is too late. (https://community.hsus.org/ct/mdqwFD61fR5v/) Please click here (https://community.hsus.org/ct/mdqwFD61fR5v/) to call or send an email to President Bush and other federal and state officials who have the power to order National Guardsmen and other responders to assist with food drops, help supply our own operations, and do whatever else it takes to save animals.

One of our rescuers said it best: “We should not have to rely on the compassionate instincts of individual Guardsmen to rescue these animals. We need the full commitment of the government.”

Members of Congress have also been calling on President Bush and the federal agencies to actively assist with direct animal rescue. With most of the human victims of the catastrophe removed from the city, it’s not too late to save animals’ lives. It’s time for the government to recognize the incredible bond between people and their pets, and step in to help.

http://img.getactivehub.com/an2/custom_images/humane/katrina_175x155_dog_stranded_AC_unit_cage.jpg
A dog stranded for days in high floodwaters in New Orleans found shelter in this AC unit cage. He was pulled to safety by an HSUS rescue team, but hundreds and perhaps thousands of pets remain stranded. It’s time for the government to help. (Tim Carman/HSUS)