Donations for animal rescue/care after Katrina

bengal · Post by **bengal** » Sep 02, 2005 4:41 pm

Hope it's OK to post this here! If not, apologies in advance.

Yesterday I went to the post office to mail a PetSmart gift card to Noah's Wish. Noah's Wish is an organization whose sole mission is to help animals in disasters. They have people in Louisiana/Miss. now. In case you're interested in making a donation of either money or equipment, here's the organization's URL:

http://www.noahswish.org/

If you search the organization's web site, you'll find that donations of money are to be sent to the headquarters, in California. Donations of supplies and equipment, including gift cards from such stores as PetSmart, Petco, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. should be sent to:

Roger Smith
Noah’s Wish
8762 Klondike Road
Worden, IL 62097

There are other sites where you can find out information as well; one is:

http://www.bestfriends.org/

If you can't make a donation or prefer donating to the many charities helping the poor people of New Orleans and the other devastated communities, perhaps you'll pass on the information above.

lazygardner · Post by **lazygardner** » Sep 02, 2005 9:46 pm

I can also vouch for Best Friends. Although I have never had the chance to visit them, I do get their newsletter and emails.

Garden_of_Mu · Post by **Garden_of_Mu** » Sep 03, 2005 11:44 am

It just breaks my heart to think of all those pets that have been lost or left behind in this tragedy. We saw on tv the other day a little boy trying to board a bus and the soldiers took his little dog out of his arms and told them only people would be evacuated. Really, how much space could that little dog have taken up? And how much more traumatic did the situation then become for this family? What a nightmare. The horror of this whole situation is just overwhelming.

janet · Post by **janet** » Sep 05, 2005 2:56 pm

Here is some of the information about what is being done for pets needing help in the disaster area. http://www.petfinder.com/disaster CNN recently covered the animal aspect of this disaster and mentioned that several of the 'people' shelters now have pet shelters right next to them. Smart thinking. And, in my opinion, this is just one more reason to be sure to have your companion animals tattooed or microchipped.

jmboyer · Post by **jmboyer** » Sep 06, 2005 2:23 pm

Thanks you, Bengal for this thoughtful post. And thanks, Janet for adding a link. We can't forget these sweet critters during this terrible disaster.

Snow · Post by **Snow** » Sep 07, 2005 8:38 am

The abandoned animal part is almost harder for me to watch than the rest

Thank you very much for the links.

bengal · Post by **bengal** » Sep 08, 2005 9:17 pm

The stories are almost too much to bear. I almost can't watch or read about them, but I can't tear myself away either. In fact, I'm compulsively switching among news sources, forums, the television; I'm not getting anything else done; seem to spend all my time emailing news & updates to people.

The fact that people were forbidden to take their pets with me boggles my mind. I simply cannot fathom the cruel callousness at work there. In so many cases, their pets were the only thing people made sure to take with them as they tried to escape from their flooded homes.

How's this for just the smallest taste of what's happened to these hurricane survivors? (from a New York Times article about a family that had to give up its pet to a foster family) "The Stanleys met the family while they were volunteering at the Astrodome and were struck by how traumatized the elderly Mrs. Hock was without her beloved dog. 'She was sitting there in suspended animation,' Mr. Stanley whispered...."

And now reporters are reporting that pets are wandering the streets, abandoned, crying with hunger.

I don't know whether you know anything about an online petition to the mayor of New Orleans pleading for the evacuation of the animals. The person who created it had hoped she might get 1,000 signatures. Anyone want to join animal lovers worldwide and be number 35,000+++?

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/840979272

Many apologies for my emotional rant, but the voiceless ones need our help. They are starving to death, and their time has almost run out. Please consider signing the petition (anonymously, if you want), and/or email the link & info to your friends and family.

LucyGoose · Post by **LucyGoose** » Sep 08, 2005 10:10 pm

I signed it, bengal...Thank-You!

lazygardner · Post by **lazygardner** » Sep 09, 2005 1:39 am

I did too. Glad I saw this post. Although, I just can't think about it too much. I find it paralyzing, and I even have nightmares about bad things happening to my furbabies.

bengal · Post by **bengal** » Sep 10, 2005 1:51 pm

Just thought you'd like to know that the issue of abandoned animals has begun to make the national press and other media outlets. For example, the Chicago Tribune has an article today.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/

I'd like to hope that this kind of media response, added to what's been an amazing outpouring from groups and forums throughout the internet community, combined with the spontaneous actions by individuals and groups to go down there to help with rescues (and here I am, stuck in PA, with a gash in my leg and no up-to-date vaccinations; you can call me frustrated)--I'd like to hope that this will make a difference. And I guess it will, to some extent.

Everyone's doing the best that they can (perhaps). BUT:

http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?p ... 45F&stid=2

and:

http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?p ... BE5&stid=2

Sadly, shelters down there are simply overwhelmed now, and some cannot take in any more animals. And....no, I'd better stop now. Some of the stories are sad beyond belief; others just horrifying. And if I go on, I'll start ranting about bureaucratic incompetence, even though I know this isn't the place for it.

Are my posts on the wrong forum? I am too new to participate in the politics forum, but perhaps the pets forum isn't appropriate (?) I wanted to apprise people of the situation; didn't know where else to post.

Snow · Post by **Snow** » Sep 10, 2005 2:09 pm

I think it's fine to post this here?

caliloo · Post by **caliloo** » Sep 10, 2005 6:43 pm

I just got this email from the breeder I got Diva from. She is a vet tech and organizing all sorts of vet/pharm products but mentioned that if anyone wants to contribute directly to a "person", this contact is a private breeder that has taken in over 60 dogs of various breeds to foster. I know everyone is doing what they can, but I thought this is worth passing on too.

Thanks to everyone for helping out the critters!

Alexa

************************************************

You can send any supplies you may have on hand or would like to purchase to the following address:
Laurian Quarterhorses
12010 Merrill Road
Pilot Point , TX 76258

I will list a few items that are needed, but feel free to send any items or supplies that you think could be used in the ongoing care of the dogs.

Crates
Food dishes/bowls
Collars & leashes
Medications (heartguard, frontline, amoxicillen, cephalexin, hydroxyzine, immodium)
Supplements (immune boosters, glucosamine, haircoat enhancers, EFA’s)
Treats/biscuits
Blankets/Bedding/towels
Odor eliminator spray for bedding
Cage safe toys and bones
Nail clippers
Shampoo/grooming products (curry brushes, lava stones, ear cleaner, coat conditioners)
First aid supplies
Cleaners/sanitizers
Trash bags
Extension cords/powerstrips
Fans

jmboyer · Post by **jmboyer** » Sep 10, 2005 9:58 pm

Bengal, you need not concern yourself that you are posting in the wrong place. We all share your passion and outrage about the abandoned animals in the stricken Gulf area. I have wept many tears over the human suffering taking place there, especially for those poor souls trapped in the sports dome without food or water. But when I first heard about the story Mike related about the dog torn away from the screaming little boy on the bus, I broke down completely. The toll of human and animal suffering, much brought about by profound acts of stupidity by those in charge, staggers the mind.

Thank you as well for the petition link. I have signed and so have many members of my family.

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Sep 10, 2005 10:12 pm

I heard a comment on tv about why the animals are being saved when so many people are still in so much trouble. My answer is, when you've lost absolutely everything in your life, finding a lost pet can make the difference between sanity and total despair.

bengal · Post by **bengal** » Sep 11, 2005 12:21 pm

CRATES are needed! I--overtired and not thinking straight--bought a plastic pet carrier; now have to go back to store. Duh. They need collapsable wire crates, preferably large ones. This is a dire need right now.

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/pet/96782904.html

http://www.nola.com/forums/animals/index.ssf -- see posts #6457, 6458, 6447, 6440, 6413.1 and 6413.2

also:
Cross-posted from nola.com
5950. Rescuers Need Help! by dollfanz, 9/10/05 21:44 ET

I just spoke to one of the rescuers and she is sitting at Jefferson Feed in Jefferson La. with 40-50 pets that they rescued today. Someone was supposed to show up with crates and have not. She was to take them to Gonzalez and was stopped by gunpoint (literally) and told they were not taking anymore. They tried to take them to LSU and the same thing happened. Also she has a tractor trailer and was going to bring the animals out of Gonzalez once she had a full truck but can't even get in. Along with those problems, there were people that were supposed to meet up with her along the way with help and supplies and no-one showed. She now does not know where to take the animals. That is the biggest problem.

Number 2 is lack of crates. If you want to ship some or now how we can ship them. They need them at the staging area which is Jefferson Feed. I will post this on petfinders too.

Contact meatdollfanz@aol.com or call me at 407-330-3080 Melinda

Hallson's pet people, please pass on this info, the info from Best Friends, even these links:
http://www.nola.com/forums/animals/index.ssf
http://neworleans.craigslist.org/pet/
http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/NEWS.htm
http://www.bestfriends.org/

Please cross-post useful info and stories on other forums you belong to.

And, it looks like anyone who isn't down there and can't go down could provide essential help by making phone calls and haranguing the media until these stories are covered in all their stark, ugly detail.
For numbers to call, log on to the nola.com site above; you'll see info bumped up over and over.

bengal · Post by **bengal** » Sep 11, 2005 12:41 pm

More info on crate/supply needs and a place to send. This is from the Pasado's Save Haven web site at
http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/NEWS.htm

OTHER THINGS OF URGENT NEED:
Pet carriers - all sizes; dog catchpoles (snares) (20-40 of them, 3, 4, or 5', order here); cagenets to catch scared cats, order here; cheap "loop leashes" that slides around a neck, fast.

OVERNIGHT SHIP TO: (NO regular mail, overnight only):
Law Offices of Louis St. Martin
ATTN: PASADO RESCUE TEAMS
#1 Church St.
Houma, LA 70361
(Please enclose a note to Louis - this man has taken such good care of us - he is an ANGEL!!!)

NEED HELP TO CROSSPOST OUR WEBSITE & EFFORT Who can get the word out on Yahoo, AOL, and other animal groups? Please, DO IT!

bengal · Post by **bengal** » Sep 11, 2005 12:49 pm

By the way, next time people ask why animals are being saved before people (as if that actually happened), remind them that many people refused to leave and are still refusing to leave because they will not leave their pets. The result? Pets die. The people die as well. (And yes, this has happened; I've read accounts from rescuers who got into houses to find the bodies of the animals and their owners.) Or the people are rescued, and then time and resources are expended to go back and attempt to rescue the pets, which should have/could have been taken out at the outset.

Needless loss of life, both human and animal, because of bureacratic ineptitude and stupidity and because of a "rules are rules" mentality. Bureaucratic inflexibility, whether governmental or organizational (like Red Cross) kills people.

janet · Post by **janet** » Sep 12, 2005 5:58 pm

Personally, I think we are getting just a bit too political for this forum. However, as long as we are talking about what is going on in Louisiana, may I say that I think the "shipping out" of rescued pets to different parts of the country absolutely stinks. http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/11/katrin ... index.html

How on earth are these people supposed to find their pets if they are flown all over the country? I guarantee you that it is impossible to recognize your own beloved animal from a picture...you need to see it, talk to it, touch it, watch it react to you. And how can that happen if you're in Houston and your dog is in California? He could have been picked up a long way from where you left him so that's no help. You were poor before this disaster, now you have nothing. Suppose you do recognize your dog, maybe he is green with blue spots or something (I'm betting most of these critters were not tattooed or chipped by their owners). Who is going to pay to get him back to where you are? How do you prove he's yours unless someone "with authority" sees him react to you in person? Will they fly him back to you before they have that proof? Do you have to make your way to California (and back again) on your own dime? I am well aware that it is a logistical nightmare to keep all these animals in the general area, but come on now. Figure out a way to do it. It's easy to get volunteers for animals, believe me, I know, I've done it for years. Warm fuzzies are the easiest. Make it work in the Gulf area, don't make these people search the whole country for their pets. Sometimes the HSUS just hasn't got a clue. Put the locals back in charge, for crying out loud. What are they thinking??!

mooie · Post by **mooie** » Sep 12, 2005 9:59 pm

Well maybe you should think of it as at least they are going to a place where there is room. Sounds to me like they are running out of room down there and at least they are doing the best they can. And from what I read each animal is completely checked over and chipped before it's shipped out. It's my fervent hope that these animals are reuinited with their owners. Best case scenario? Some will. some won't. But at least someone is trying to help...

mooie

bengal · Post by **bengal** » Sep 13, 2005 8:59 pm

In theory, I agree with you 100%, Janet. The problems are that (1) many evacuees have already been moved to places all over the country and so are already far from Gulf Coast area shelters, and (2) there isn't enough room in the ones that are down there. Not moving animals out means no more rescues can take place. Also, as far as I understand it, no animals are being "shipped out" to permanent homes; rather, fosters are taking them in so that more of the remaining ones can be rescued. Furthermore, the conditions in the main holding area are abominable, despite volunteers' best efforts--because there simply are not enough people to clean cages, etc.

Plus, efforts to reunite people with their pets are under way. For example:
http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/defaul ... oid=143084

In any event, I could say lots more about the real situation down there, but since people here don't want any "politics" on this board, I won't. Nothing political was meant anyway; my reason for originally bringing up the issue of the abandoned animals was so that forum members who might want to volunteer or donate could have information and links to check out.

Speaking of which:
http://www.bestfriends.org/
http://forums.petfinder-network.com/viewforum.php?f=16
http://gulfsails.blogspot.com/
http://gulfsails.blogspot.com/2005/09/k ... peaks.html
http://www.hua.org/Hurricane.html
http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/defaul ... oid=146129
http://www.katrinapetsneedhelp.com/#numbers
http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/index.html
http://www.oregonhumane.com/diary/index.htm

If you read some of the stuff on these sites, you'll see how bad the situation really is in some places.

And here's a real-time forum where people are posting to ask for help finding their pets, to provide info on pet rescue groups on the field, to provide info on media coverage, etc.
It moves very fast, but if you want to help, just register, and you can do things like bump pleas for help and other critical info.
http://www.nola.com/forums/animals/index.ssf