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Can You Adopt a Pet from a Katrina Victim?

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AGBF

AGBF

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I love dogs dearly, but my focus has not been on dogs since Hurricane Katrina hit. I am in Connecticut, at my parents'' house, and my mother (who listens to the radio all day) just told someone downstairs about what she had heard. Apparently there are now 200 dogs and cats who have been given up by Katrina victims who felt they could not care for them as they wanted them cared for. I am about to drive to Virginia, but I am sure that someone on Pricescope (where being a pet lover appears to be a requirement for membership) can look this up and post links to help guide others to it. I know that after 9/11, the ASPCA had a program to rescue pets of victims who would not be returning home. I know I would want someone to love Biscuit if I were killed and would consider having him cared for a kind act in my memory.



Deborah
 
Positive
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While there will be many pets given up for adoption - more crucial is housing those pets for people who could not take them with them. It is my understanding from my breed board the the staging area is LVMA in Baton Rouge. They need kennels, money & transport the most right now. They need tons of other supplies like dog food, throw away litter boxes, etc. At this point, I'm of the mind that money & temporary housing is needed the most. Also, they are calling on all breed rescue to take those particular breeds.

Here is the address for relief.

Make check payable to LVMA Dr. Walter J. Ernet Veterinarian Memorial Foundation
(NOTE: "disater relief fund" in memo line)
LVMA
8550 United Plaza Blvd
Suite 1001
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

www.lvma.org contact Helen Tomb-Taylor

#2 LSU School of Vet. Medicine. www.vetmed.lsu.edu (email) phone #225 578 9900 Contact name Dr. Becky Adcock

#3 LA SPCA Laura Maloney 225 413 8813
 
There are organizations that have been allowed to take animals out of the area, back to different states. I am sure there are many, unfortunately, the only one I am aware of right now is the North Shore Animal League in NY.

http://www.nsalamerica.org/

They have news updates & pictures on their site too.
 
I was just Here-ASPCA to get some sort of update. Apparently, they may be using petfinder.org to both reunite pets with owners and find homes for abandoned/orphaned pets.

I know some might find my perspective distasteful but I feel like so many billions will be focused on the people, as they should be, that those of us who are sensitive to the plight of the animals must act for them, as we are in the minority.

I was just watching MSNBC and they had a live helicopter rescue going on with two men on a roof with a small puppy. The commentator remarked that she "couldn''t believe they were taking the dog." What were they supposed to do--leave it to die on the roof? Putting that small animal in the basket with one of the men in no way hindered or prevented a human rescue. Shame on her-I ran up to log on and write an email to them complaining about her remark but couldn''t find the function.

Animals are not things... they are living beings entrusted to our (us lousy humans) care. Who are we to discard them like used rubbish? Who are we to treat them as toys that can be thrown out like yetserday''s newspaperh when we get our full? Harsh words, I know, but from what I have seen in my life, is it any wonder we as a human race are in such dire straights, the way we treat our animals????? Ugh. I am sick.

May God have mercy on all our souls.
 
Couple more links I found when I did a quick search online:

United Animal Nations: http://www.ears.org/

Animal Rescue Leage of Boston, they've been sending vans to pick up animals and bring them back to Boston to take care of: http://www.arlboston.org/Main/katrina.aspx

Humane Society of the US: http://www.hsus.org/

OOoh, and here is a much longer list I just found on Petfinder.com
http://www.petfinder.org/disaster/



ETA: Its not necissarily that the owners are treating their animals like things and are choosing to leave behind these animals as if they meant nothing to them...there are many stories of people being forced to leave their animals behind:
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050904/ap_on_re_us/katrina_pets_6
 
I don''t even want to read any more about being forced to leave your pet behind...that one article that I read about that little boy who cried til he threw up was enough for me...NO WAY would I leave my pet behind even if it meant I had to WALK rather than get a ride. Pets are dependent on us to care for them just like children. I''m so glad to see that there are organizations trying to assist the animals.

We are definitely going to give some money to this effort....I agree that the focus is mostly on human rescues and assistance, as is appropriate, but pets are lives as well, and they do get overlooked in times of crisis.
 
Date: 9/4/2005 3:39:38 PM
Author: Blue824


ETA: Its not necissarily that the owners are treating their animals like things and are choosing to leave behind these animals as if they meant nothing to them...there are many stories of people being forced to leave their animals behind:
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050904/ap_on_re_us/katrina_pets_6
Click to expand...
Precisely, according to the people I have talked to, the goal is to house, care for & RETURN the family pet left behind because they had to.

The LSU vet school is the one trying to coordinate the efforts. They have reunited some owners. They need money and need it now. Several shelters, kennels and breed rescue are stepping up to the plate.

Campbell Brown of NBC has said that the staff have adopted dogs in their compound.

And, help is help. There is certain joy in helping reunite a pet w/ a pet owner.
 
Here''s another link - this group is doing a lot, it''s called Best Friends. http://bestfriends.org/

They are well-established, even have a regular show on the Animal Channel. They are working with the locals in both LA and Miss.
 
Mara, trust me. They are not getting overlooked. Unfortunately, and right fully so, they are not priority. I know many people who are getting involved or have been. Two SS search and rescue teams are coming from CA. One left post haste to look for human survivors. The second for pet survivors.

I know I could take my dogs; but, what if I couldn''t. And, I think at the very least many weren''t thinking they would leave their home for long. And, I doubt there are many people whose first priority when purchasing a car is that it must fit two dog crates.
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Date: 9/4/2005 3:30:40 PM
Author: Jennifer5973
I was just Here-ASPCA to get some sort of update. Apparently, they may be using petfinder.org to both reunite pets with owners and find homes for abandoned/orphaned pets.

I know some might find my perspective distasteful but I feel like so many billions will be focused on the people, as they should be, that those of us who are sensitive to the plight of the animals must act for them, as we are in the minority.

I was just watching MSNBC and they had a live helicopter rescue going on with two men on a roof with a small puppy. The commentator remarked that she ''couldn''t believe they were taking the dog.'' What were they supposed to do--leave it to die on the roof? Putting that small animal in the basket with one of the men in no way hindered or prevented a human rescue. Shame on her-I ran up to log on and write an email to them complaining about her remark but couldn''t find the function.

Animals are not things... they are living beings entrusted to our (us lousy humans) care. Who are we to discard them like used rubbish? Who are we to treat them as toys that can be thrown out like yetserday''s newspaperh when we get our full? Harsh words, I know, but from what I have seen in my life, is it any wonder we as a human race are in such dire straights, the way we treat our animals????? Ugh. I am sick.

May God have mercy on all our souls.
Click to expand...
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Bless all of you who do care about the terrible plight of these animals as well as the people who have suffered so much and doing what you can to help. These animals matter too and have caring owners who are probably distraught that they could not get them to safety. By helping the animals, we are helping the people, probably more than we could possibly realise.
 
Date: 9/4/2005 4:02:08 PM
Author: fire&ice

I know I could take my dogs; but, what if I couldn't. And, I think at the very least many weren't thinking they would leave their home for long. And, I doubt there are many people whose first priority when purchasing a car is that it must fit two dog crates.
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Click to expand...
I know I am in the minority, because I still wouldn't leave her behind, even if we thought it would not be for long. I would feel too responsible. On that same priority note, we are looking for a new car for me now and part of what I am looking for is...will Portia be comfortable in the seats? She doesn't like bucket seats because she is too low to look out the window with her doggie seat belt on.
 
Two more bits of info for animal assistance from my breed specific Westie Yahoo List...

"Make check payable to Bayou Kennel of
Louisiana and mark it Katrina Animal Relief Fund. You
can send it to us at 476 Donaldson Rd, Calhoun, La
or directly to the Community Trust Bank, 2995
Highway 80 West, Calhoun, La. The account number is
2071819 and is specifically for aid to the
various affected areas.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could
put this information on your list and assure the
folks that the funds are dedicated to those areas
of La. and Ms. in most need. Thanks for all
your help."



Also the SPCA in Houston is calling for monetary donations as well as posted a huge list of items they need to be sent:

http://www.spcahouston.org/spcahouston/default.asp
 
Bravo--you guys are great. There are a lot of wagging tails and purrs still to come from these babies if help can get to them
emlove.gif
 
Date: 9/4/2005 3:39:38 PM
Author: Blue824
Couple more links I found when I did a quick search online:

United Animal Nations: http://www.ears.org/

Animal Rescue Leage of Boston, they've been sending vans to pick up animals and bring them back to Boston to take care of: http://www.arlboston.org/Main/katrina.aspx

Humane Society of the US: http://www.hsus.org/

OOoh, and here is a much longer list I just found on Petfinder.com
http://www.petfinder.org/disaster/



ETA: Its not necissarily that the owners are treating their animals like things and are choosing to leave behind these animals as if they meant nothing to them...there are many stories of people being forced to leave their animals behind:
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050904/ap_on_re_us/katrina_pets_6
Click to expand...
Of course I wasn't referring to the people who were evacuated--it was a statement about the general attitudes of many people, like that newswoman's. Sorry, but in volunteering and helping local rescue I've seen many horrible thngs that have really soured my perspective in general terms... cases of people getting rottie and other large-breed dogs as puppies, while they are "cute", not training them or really caring for them and when the animal is full grown and out of control, they open the front door and say "See ya!".... and on and on it goes. Just one example I've seen, too...some are far, far worse.

And for the record, I lived through a major natural disaster as a child, complete with evacuation by helicopter, displacement, etc. (of course, in the long-term, nothing like what this will be) I don't care to elaborate here as it's my private business but I don't just grandstand with no basis for my opinions. My mother refused to leave our home without our dog. The firemen said there was no room. My father held the dog on top of his head/around his shoulders.
 
Sorry, I wasn''t referring to you, just used your word. In general, natural disaster or not, people keep animals and treat them as things instead of other living beings. Volunteering you do see so many horrible, unthinkable situations, I''ve taken a break, but I used to do a lot when I was at school. I''m glad there are lots of people here that are helping to support both the human & animal relief efforts.
 
No problem, Blue. It is a very emotional issue for me, I guess, and I do have very strong opinions.

This is a good web page--breaks down the issue and provides many links, including some already posted:

MSN Page

Other than giving money (now and going foward) and possibly taking a pet that cannot be reunited with its family, I am trying to think of how I can help.
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A quote from that page:

"Many New Orleans residents who fled with their pets to the SuperDome were forced to give them up, according to local news reports. Police told reporters the animals were taken from their owners, but authorities didn't know what happened to them after that. One young boy who was forced to give up his dog, Snowball, became so distraught he cried to the point of vomiting, the Associated Press reported."

Helping the pets = helping the people, too.
 
This is a silly question, perhaps, b/c I know every little bit helps....but do you gals have any recommedations on which group might be "best" to donate to? I''m given to the Red Cross and Second Harvest on the people side and want to make sure my $$ goes to the right place for little creatures too.....any info. on whether ASPCA, Humane Society, etc., if one might be better than others?
 
Date: 9/4/2005 6:06:34 PM
Author: blueroses
This is a silly question, perhaps, b/c I know every little bit helps....but do you gals have any recommedations on which group might be ''best'' to donate to? I''m given to the Red Cross and Second Harvest on the people side and want to make sure my $$ goes to the right place for little creatures too.....any info. on whether ASPCA, Humane Society, etc., if one might be better than others?
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This is always a key question. I have found that the ASPCA and HSUS are very reputable and put about 70 cents to the dollar to work for the animals (I read those annual reports!). But in this case, local Louisiana or Mississippi-based organizations, like the one Mara cited above, are also probably a good idea in terrms of getting money directly to those in the "battle zone" who need supplies NOW and don''t have the muscle of an ASPCA or HSUS.
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Oh my God! I have tears in my eyes! I just arrived home in Virginia and decided to check on whether anyone had posted to this thread. You all came through as you always do! Just as you all do for Nan and Angello and for anyone who needs help. You are all wonderful!!! You also understood that my caring about the pets didn''t mean I didn''t care about the people! (The first of my money went to the Red Cross and to the local firemen, as I have said.) If I can dig a little deeper into my pockets, and I will, I will give more to the Red Cross and also to one of the organizations helping people''s animals.

As I have said to some of you privately, I have been experiencing a crisis of faith. I do not believe in God, although I still pray. I must say, though, that I can still see God in other people, as the Quakers do. So I will hold you all in the light :-).

Deb
 
Date: 9/4/2005 3:54:17 PM
Author: Neophyte Miner
Here''s another link - this group is doing a lot, it''s called Best Friends. http://bestfriends.org/
They are well-established, even have a regular show on the Animal Channel. They are working with the locals in both LA and Miss.
Click to expand...

I read your posting in Around the World and was going to post the above link (which I found in your posting there) in this thread. You had covered all bases, however, and it was already here! This appears to be a great place to donate for the pets and I think I will give to this group. Thank you.

Deborah
 
I found this thread a little late, but I''m donating to the ASPCA. I''ve received a couple emails from them already detailing exactly what they are doing to help these poor animals.

And like Mara mentioned, that article about the little boy screaming "Snowball, Snowball!!" as the officer took the dog away from him just broke my heart. I''m sorry, but even if I was sitting on top of my roof surrounded by water with my cat in his crate or in my arms, I would refuse to leave without him. And believe me, I would be prepared to argue until I talked everyone''s ears off. I would seriously need tranquilizers and sedatives for a very long time if I was forced to leave him behind, not to mention lots of counseling for years to come. I''m not sure I would be able to function, worrying about him and what I did. I feel sick just thinking about it. But that''s just me, crazy, crazy old me.

On a brighter note, I read today that many of the local zoos had very few animal deaths.
 
Stretch, I just saw a newsclip of a woman sobbing--she needs to be rescued/evacuated and they refuse to take her dog (a small-to med size mixed breed)--she was sobbing, "I can't leave him here to die." Would it really hinder the big picture to take this poor animal?

I literally almost became sick it was so distressing. I have given to ASPCA and HSUS and plan to continue, but I feel so horrible. This plight has dominated my thoughts, both day and night, all week... I just don't know what else to do.
 
Jennifer and Stretch,
I too have been haunted all week by the images of the animals. Here is a link with some updates that I found comforting -
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=hurricane_diary

I really think the animal rescue groups are doing all they can right now, and we have all given generously so they can do so.That doesn''t mean animals will not die. But the TV shot you saw, which I missed, thank goodness, may very well have been two days old and another one of those emotional zingers that have been resolved. That being said, I expect I will have nightmaresagain tonight, as I have every night for a week.

Tonight my fiance said to me that he had thought about it, and he felt certain that he would never leave Sadie (the eldest of our eight pets) behind. I told him that I had been been thinking the same thing, but you know, you never know until you are there. But as Stretch says, I just don''t think I could find any joy in life if I had abandoned a pet that depended on me, and of course, all pets depend on their humans. To me, that is the measure of our own worth - how we treat those who have no other choice but to rely on us.
 
Date: 9/6/2005 12:04:27 AM
Author: Neophyte Miner
Jennifer and Stretch,
I too have been haunted all week by the images of the animals. Here is a link with some updates that I found comforting -
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=hurricane_diary

I really think the animal rescue groups are doing all they can right now, and we have all given generously so they can do so.That doesn''t mean animals will not die. But the TV shot you saw, which I missed, thank goodness, may very well have been two days old and another one of those emotional zingers that have been resolved. That being said, I expect I will have nightmaresagain tonight, as I have every night for a week.

Tonight my fiance said to me that he had thought about it, and he felt certain that he would never leave Sadie (the eldest of our eight pets) behind. I told him that I had been been thinking the same thing, but you know, you never know until you are there. But as Stretch says, I just don''t think I could find any joy in life if I had abandoned a pet that depended on me, and of course, all pets depend on their humans. To me, that is the measure of our own worth - how we treat those who have no other choice but to rely on us.
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Thank you for reminding me of that link! I hadn''t checked it in a while and it was so, so wonderful to read of progress. I have been especially upset by a news story posted in another thread that told of a poorer family''s dog being left behind in a burning apt. building because they had no choice. I can''t get the mental image out of my mind and it is horrifying me.

I feel so bad for the people, too, on top of everything else--in a world where all is lost, to lose the creature that loves you unconditionally and is your best friend is just too much to bear.

Like you, if I ever had to leave my babies behind, it would haunt me for every second of every minute of every day for the rest of my life.
 
I am late in responding to this thread, but it touches my heart dearly. I gave to the ASPCA today. The images of people that had to leave their pets behind just haunts me. I have 2 dogs that are my babies and can''t even imagine that. Also I can''t imagine my kids having to leave them behind, it would just traumatize them. Oh my heart goes out to everyone that is suffering.
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Date: 9/6/2005 12:04:27 AM
Author: Neophyte Miner
Jennifer and Stretch,
I too have been haunted all week by the images of the animals. Here is a link with some updates that I found comforting -
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=hurricane_diary

I really think the animal rescue groups are doing all they can right now, and we have all given generously so they can do so.That doesn''t mean animals will not die. But the TV shot you saw, which I missed, thank goodness, may very well have been two days old and another one of those emotional zingers that have been resolved. That being said, I expect I will have nightmaresagain tonight, as I have every night for a week.

Tonight my fiance said to me that he had thought about it, and he felt certain that he would never leave Sadie (the eldest of our eight pets) behind. I told him that I had been been thinking the same thing, but you know, you never know until you are there. But as Stretch says, I just don''t think I could find any joy in life if I had abandoned a pet that depended on me, and of course, all pets depend on their humans. To me, that is the measure of our own worth - how we treat those who have no other choice but to rely on us.
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very true words....whether it be our pet companions or other humans.

peace, movie zombie
 
i made a donation to Best Friends today to assist with the pet survivors of hurricane Katrina and then it dawned on me: my husband''s employer will match the donation! i thought i''d remind everyone that this is an easy way to double the effect of any donation made.

peace, movie zombie
 
Got some good news from a shelter in NE LA & forwarded news from Texas w/ an update. First, the "shoot to kill" order is not true (the rumor was that they were shooting abandon pets for humane reason). There is a group that is rounding up and rescueing abandon animals. They are being taken to independent shelters in the Baton Rouge area. Some are being farmed out to texas. "It''s devestating but they appreciate all the help that has come. Staffing is good. Supplies are good" They need dog food & pet food companies are trying to truck that in. The dogs will not be adopted out & many of their owners identified.

I''m not trying to paint a great picture. But, people are working very hard & results are being seen.
 
I just could never leave my pets behind. I couldn't live with myself...what a horrible choice to make...those poor people and animals. The dog on the north shore animal site just made me bust out crying at my desk. I can't take it...I'm going to see if I can foster any cats....

oh geez, I just remembered I can't b/c Scotty has been diagnosed with FIV...so I'll just send money
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