Katrina's Animal Victims

I know that everyone is as concerned as I am for what is going on on the Gulf Coast. As a Mississippian, I'’ve been deeply touched by the outpouring of tangible aid and emotional support coming from folks all over the country. I just wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the pets and other domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife that are in desperate need of our help as well.

Many people who had to move to shelters, and many people who have been rescued from the rooftops of their flooded homes, were not allowed to bring their pets with them. Now, these beloved pets may be the only things these folks have left in the world and they are frantic to save them. There is some good news trickling in, but much more remains to be done.

The Humane Society of the United States and The American Humane Association are the two animal charities that I have donated to and I hope that you will consider doing the same. They are working diligently (with local animal groups) to rescue and care for the animals now trapped in homes, or homeless, all along the Coast. If you cannot make a donation at this time, please consider contacting these groups and seeing if there is anything else that they need. They managed to coordinate with some local shelters before the storm, to evacuate animals already housed there, and are now trying to find homes for them. If you were thinking of bringing a new animal into your family, this would be a wonderful way to do it.

Petfinder.com is also working on developing a comprehensive database to aid the pets affected by Hurricane Katrina and hopes to have it operational in a few days. (Petfinder is also an excellent way to adopt a new pet.) The ASPCA, Noah's Wish, and many other wonderful organizations are also doing everything they can to help.

Thanks everyone.