Please don't forget the pets left behind after Katrina (video)

[Kim&Chris]

Not sure if everyone will be able to see this. I cried after watching :guilty:


http://www.wdsu.com/video/4922195/detail.html

I don't believe there's any sound with this video

Please consider a donation to:
www.noahswish.org

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sadly--I heard that in Gulfport (a local reporter from Orlando doing a story there)....that all the strays will have to be euthanized due to health risk :(

[Kim&Chris]

Oh my God. Those poor things. I just can't stop thinking about them. :guilty:

[thelittlemermaid]

I just got done watching it. Needless to say I was saying a few choice words at the people helping the guy and the guy himself.

If I would have been the guy I would have told them my dog is coming or I'm not. Why couldn't they have put the dog on the boat too. And why didn't the guy say something about his dog. It seems he cared for it, if it was on the roof with him.

I know the guy being rescued has been through alot, but so has the dog. That dog has feelings and emotions also.

Sorry, but there is no way I could leave my animals behind!!! Take my kids and my DH and get them to safety, then come back for me and my animals. They are my four legged children. I couldn't leave them, just like I couldn't leave my real children.

[Kim&Chris]

:dog2: :dog2: :dog: :paw:

[Cyndirella]

I watched but wish I wouldn't have. :sad1: That breaks my heart.

[CheshireVal]

That's horrible. Poor doggy. :guilty: The owner didn't even seem to have any reservations about leaving it.

This is a dumb question: can the dogs survive drinking that flood water? I know it's disgusting, but my cats drink out of the toilet.... :confused3

Then again, I guess there would be no food.

[Kim&Chris]

That's horrible. Poor doggy. :guilty: The owner didn't even seem to have any reservations about leaving it.

This is a dumb question: can the dogs survive drinking that flood water? I know it's disgusting, but my cats drink out of the toilet.... :confused3

Then again, I guess there would be no food.


I'm just guessing, but I'd say that water is too contaminated to ingest at this point.

[Kahana-ri]

It is very hard to watch. My DH and I discussed what we would do if we were hit by a natural disaster. We agreed, our two four-legged children :dog2: :dog: would have to go with us-where ever we went.

[Miller1412]

:sad1:
OH man...that was so hard to watch. It truly made my stomach feel sick. It's all so sad. Every bit of it.
I get that people have to come first, but it doesn't make me less sad.

[ducklite]

Sadly--I heard that in Gulfport (a local reporter from Orlando doing a story there)....that all the strays will have to be euthanized due to health risk :(

Because they won't allow the animal rescue groups who are trained and experienced and ready and willing and properly equipped in to get the animals out. Grrr... These are the same people who responded to the CA whildfires, Hurricane Andrew September 11, name your flood, earthquake, or tornado...

In fact, they are for the most part the same people who worked with Audobon Zoo to develop a comprehensive emergency plan, and in some cases the people who bring in the search and rescue dogs to other disaster. (They are asking for cadaver dogs for this one, and dogs don't do both living and dead--sorry to be graphic.)

Anne

[The LK 4]

I could never leave my dog stranded like that. :(

[CheshireVal]

Dogs are such devoted and loving creatures. I can only imagine what that poor fella (or gal) was thinking as its master got onto that boat and left it behind in the water. :sad1:

I knew I shouldn't have watched that, because that's all I've been able to think about since I saw it. :sad:

[Iluvthemouse]

OMG..... I cant believe I watched that video. My heart is breaking.. There is no way I could leave my pupper dogs and Cali kitty..

[Miller1412]

I knew I shouldn't have watched that, because that's all I've been able to think about since I saw it. :sad:

So true, it's like a knot sitting in the bottom of my stomach.

[Kim&Chris]

:dog2: :paw:

[Rock'n Robin]

I read yesterday that they were taking pets away form people getting on busses at the superdome--I read one boy cried so hard he threw up and was just crying "Snowball, Snowball". The officer admitted to the reporter he didn't know what would happen to the dog.
I think at this point they are so focused on people they don't give a hoot about the pets. Sad but true. I wonder why they wouldn't let animal rescue groups into Gulfport?
I can imagine dogs who would normally "get by" are drinking the water (don't know any better) and getting sick--and don't forget the gators, snakes, fire ants etc. It breaks my heart, but what about this situation doesn't?
That poor dog. Imagine how loyal he'd been to that guy. This is why I told DH that if I'm ever in an evac. situation (don't see it where I live, but hey, just in case) I'd leave as soon as I could with the kids and the dog and the 2 cats--and just drive north or whereever until my gas ran out if I couldn't find a room that took pets.
I remember in 75 (Yes, I'm old) a fertizlizer silo in my hometown caught fire, and they weren't sure about fumes, etc. Mom and dad made arrangements to sleep at a friend's house in Toledo. We loaded up ALL 4 CATS plus our german shepherd (not a small one either), my parents, me, my sister, and my grandma!!! Turned out there wasn't any real danger, but I heard my mom say "the last thing I wanted to do was go home and find the cats all dead!"
Robin M.

[Planogirl]

I understand that Gulfport and New Orleans are both problems for the animal rescue groups. It's very sad. :(

[Laura]

Poor doggie. :(

Here's a picture of a doggie rescue to make everyone feel better after watching that video:
http://search.csmonitor.com/slideshows/katrina/images/Slide3.jpg
PASS CHRISTIAN, MS - AUGUST 31: Police officer Rebecca Ruspoli helps three dogs stranded on a damaged roof on August 31, 2005 - a day after Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast town. The dogs quickly ran home. (Photo by Andy Nelson/The Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images)

[hercamore]

I won't watch the video, but wanted to say I just donated to Noah's Wish because of this thread.

Also, yesterday, I saw a picture from Cnn where a guy was rescuing his pet beagle from his roof. This was in Mississipi.

herc.

[WeirdEyes]

I wish I hadn't watched that video. :sad1:

[DawnCt1]

I couldn't imagine leaving my pets behind.

[eclectics]

I can't watch stuff like that. Just can't handle it. I bumped up the animal donation thread again if anyone wants to go there and donate if you haven't already. :dog2: :cat:

[maryssasmom]

I feel sick now. no way could my animals be left behind, guess I would die there with them. and I feel so bad for them as they are helpless. they shouldn't be put down. they don't do that to humans. what on earth is this world coming to? pray for the little furbabies.....

[lauran cameron]

omg...that video just made me cry...I can't even imagine that...I just can't imagine having to leave my pet like that. Pets to some can be just as important and vital to a family as a human member. Omg...I just can phathum that...I hope to god they can help those poor animals left behind and find them their original owners or if not their original owners, get them to friendly loving homes. Hopefully those animals left behind will be able to find trust in the human race once again http://forums.caraudio.com/vb/images/smilies/bawling.gif :guilty:


I feel sick now. no way could my animals be left behind, guess I would die there with them. and I feel so bad for them as they are helpless. they shouldn't be put down. they don't do that to humans. what on earth is this world coming to? pray for the little furbabies.....

I feel the EXACT way right now :guilty:

[Stitchfans]

I watched but wish I wouldn't have. :sad1: That breaks my heart.


I heard about this, but now after seeing it, it does break my heart. The poor defenseless creature left there to die.

[Shenzi]

I think it's horrible. I couldn't imagine leaving my pets behind to die. :guilty:

BUT - Do we know that the dog was his? It may have been a dog that just swam up. That may be why the man didn't have much of a response to leaving it behind. He might also have been in shock and felt numbed.

Still - those poor people and their poor pets. Everything about this breaks my heart. :sad1:

[SplshMtn99]

I can't watch the video because I know I will start crying again.

Because I've read & heard the animals are being left behind, I've instructed DH that while in NO with his guards unit, he is to find me an abandoned kitty, make it their unit mascot & smuggle it home in his duffle bag. :goodvibes We can call it Katrina.

[TIGGER'SFRIEND]

:sad: : Oh my that was so heartbreaking

[Kim&Chris]

Just a bump for the poor dog left behind in this video :dog2:

[MossMan]

I love my dog. I really do. I can't imagine ever being without a dog.

But you know what, I would leave mine behind in a second. Absolutely no doubt. There's no way you take a dog on a rescue boat, it's too dangerous. What happens if the dog gets squirrelly and capsizes the boat. Or what if having a dog aboard means someone else (read human) has to wait to get in the boat. It just isn't worth it.

Dogs aren't people. Look after the people first then maybe think about saving some pets. As long as there are people dying no official effort should be put forward to save these animals. And I don't have much respect for those who would waste individual resources on animal rescues as long as babies are going without water in New Orleans.

[goin2disneyagain]

I couldn't see the video. If my dog can't go then I can't go. This is what just kills me after every hurricane. I remember back several years ago, it may have been after Andrew, when people used to donate food and items for victims at stores that the #1 item donated to the relief effort was dog food. That was one of the things that I myself had donated. I saw a photo yesterday in Mississippi with a larger dog, maybe a black lab, was laying on a pile of pinestraw ALONE on a roof and it really upset me to think that the dog had probably been abandoned. They are stressed and lonely too and they need to be rescued. I shutter to think of how many pets did not survive this storm. :sad2: :sad1:

Edited to add: I was able to watch it. That is so sad. I really hope someone else went back to rescue him. :sad1: I couldn't hear the audio, they told the man that he had to leave the dog behind?

[Sandy22]

I read yesterday that they were taking pets away form people getting on busses at the superdome--I read one boy cried so hard he threw up and was just crying "Snowball, Snowball".

:dog2: :sad1: :sad1: :sad1:

I'm not going to watch the video - just reading this was sad enough.

If they let the animal rescuers in, would the police and national guard be required to protect the rescuers? They probably figure they don't have the resources for that.

[Kim&Chris]

From what I understand, Noah's Wish is a specialized team - they rescue primarily from disasters. Based on that, I'd think that the Nat'l Guard would possibly let them do their thing because they know that the Noah's Wish people are experienced.

[EsmeraldaX]

I can say with absolute certainty that I would have died on the roof before I'd have gotten in the boat without Monty and Dodger. Of course for me it would not have come to that because I would have taken them and evac'd at the first notice. But if for some reason it came down to my life or them dying alone and afraid, I'd give my life. They are all I have.

Flame me and question me all you want. I really don't care what you say. But I would have died first.

I hope someone rescues that poor dog. And all the other animals. No living thing deserves to die like that.

[mainewmn]

Please edit the post to worn other people before viewing it. I tought this was going to be a video of an annimal rescue. I so wished I didn’t watch it! I wasn't born yestarday and I knew that was happening there now, but seeing this image was just too painful!

[TheDisneyBunch]

OH no! I knew I should not watch that! I am crying my eyes out! That breaks my heart! That poor dog had no idea what to do and looked so sad that he was being left. UGH! Why are people so mean? Animals deserve to live too! Oh how sad I am now. I really should know better than to watch that kind of stuff. It is too heartbreaking for me. I wish there were more I could do. :guilty: I can't stop crying now.

[goin2disneyagain]

I can say with absolute certainty that I would have died on the roof before I'd have gotten in the boat without Monty and Dodger. Of course for me it would not have come to that because I would have taken them and evac'd at the first notice. But if for some reason it came down to my life or them dying alone and afraid, I'd give my life. They are all I have.

Flame me and question me all you want. I really don't care what you say. But I would have died first.

I hope someone rescues that poor dog. And all the other animals. No living thing deserves to die like that.

I completely agree with you. I would have left before the storm with my dog. I personally feel that if you won't take the responsibility to care for your pets as you would your own children then you should not have a pet. It bothers me to think that other pet owners don't have the same respect for their pets. On Fox they just showed several people getting on a military truck with their pets and on their website I saw a military guy in a chopper holding a dog after they rescued the dog and its owner.

Here's the picture from Fox.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/Sandrew29/090205_dog_450.jpgSept. 2: U.S. Army flight surgeon Capt. Devry C. Anderson holds a dog after it was rescued with its owner in New Orleans.

[Shel]

I also have a heart for dogs, or any helpless critter for that matter, but dogs do have a special place in my heart. :dog2: This video broke my heart & I've been sobbing since I watched it. I did call my rescue girl up here for some extra special pettings!! She's a foot sleeper while I DIS.

[mainewmn]

Oh I just can't stop thinking about this image now. DH and I had a discussion the other day what we would do if we had to choose and we both agreed one of us would remain with the dog while the other went with the children, in the event we wore caught off guard but we are both planners so we would try our best to evacuate before. I hope that there are some rescue stories of animals that will surface soon.

[Buzz Durkin]

I love my dog. I really do. I can't imagine ever being without a dog.

But you know what, I would leave mine behind in a second. Absolutely no doubt. There's no way you take a dog on a rescue boat, it's too dangerous. What happens if the dog gets squirrelly and capsizes the boat. Or what if having a dog aboard means someone else (read human) has to wait to get in the boat. It just isn't worth it.

Dogs aren't people. Look after the people first then maybe think about saving some pets. As long as there are people dying no official effort should be put forward to save these animals. And I don't have much respect for those who would waste individual resources on animal rescues as long as babies are going without water in New Orleans.

Maybe you shouldn't have a dog then. It's a responsibility for another living being, not a piece of property to be dumped when it is inconvenient to have it. You can justify it however you like, but it (and you) are still wrong.

So, your loyal pet waits on the roof with you for help, and when it arrives you say "see ya, no room in the boat". Yeah, nice. Sorry, but I'd tell the rescuers where to go, and wait for more compassionate help.

And that other story where they took the kid's dog away. Has he not been through enough? They make him leave his best friend behind? Totally nuts.

This is just sick stuff...

[TheDisneyBunch]

I too hope we get to see some good rescue stories of pets soon to help get that horribly sad image of that dog out of my mind. I just can't stop crying now. I have such a heart for animals, esp. dogs and that just kills me when people don't care enough for them. That poor dog had no place to go. I will never forget seeing that. :guilty:

[Disney-Kim]

[COLOR=Navy]I am so utterly depressed and saddened by this post and I DIDN"T watch the video. I couldn't. I Love dogs so much and I could never ever leave my fur babies. I just couldn't.

could you leave this face?

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/40971161/15c0/__sr_/1a3b.jpg?ph5uRGDB2oc4cwuk

[EsmeraldaX]

[COLOR=Navy]I am so utterly depressed and saddened by this post and I DIDN"T watch the video. I couldn't. I Love dogs so much and I could never ever leave my fur babies. I just couldn't.

could you leave this face?

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/40971161/15c0/__sr_/1a3b.jpg?ph5uRGDB2oc4cwuk

Absolutely not. What a sweetie.

[MossMan]

Maybe you shouldn't have a dog then. It's a responsibility for another living being, not a piece of property to be dumped when it is inconvenient to have it. You can justify it however you like, but it (and you) are still wrong.

This is just sick stuff...

What's sick is the idea that dogs are on par with humans. And if there are some dog owners out there who don't understand that, then may I suggest that they are the ones who probably shouldn't be owning a pet.

Now, since I do love my dog and want to ensure that it stays alive, I would have done what another poster suggested and evacuated with my pet before I got into the situation.

However if I ever found myself in this predicament whether it was my fault or not, the dog stays behind. You don't potentially put dogs before people. As heartbreaking as it is to imagine some poor dog pining away for an owner its never going to see again, it's 100 times more heart breaking to imagine a child dying from a capsized rescue boat or the mother of a child drowning in rising waters because there was no room left in the rescue boat.

I think the dying child scenario is sick - while the dying dog scenario is merely tragic.

[EsmeraldaX]

You don't potentially put dogs before people.

I do.

If my dog can't go, I don't go. Period.

[TheDisneyBunch]

Hope nobody minds..now I just feel the need to share pics of my sweet fu babies. I had to run give them extra hugs! How can somebody leave them behind? Esp just on a roof like that with no place to go?

My babies!!! I love them like my kids!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d611b3127cce93957ae059f600000026108EaNGrNs1aY

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d611b3127cce9395654e98ff00000026108EaNGrNs1aY

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd29b3127cce90cf2d66c28d00000006108EaNGrNs1aY

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd27b3127cce90cf2c8814e200000026108EaNGrNs1aY

[mousey]

Lets hope some National Guard Unit find that dog and rescues him. With all the death and destruction in that area I don't understand how they could leave him behind???

[EsmeraldaX]

They are absolutely precious. :goodvibes

Here's my guys :

http://www.homestead.com/Esmespage/files/himonty22223.JPG

http://www.homestead.com/Esmespage/files/hidodgy2.JPG

http://www.homestead.com/Esmespage/files/sweet33433.JPG

They depend on my (and Buzz's) care for everything. I made a promise to them the day I took them in. They are our family. We will never leave them behind.

[Shugardrawers]

Below you will see a picture of my son. YES, MY SON! He's the only child I'll ever have. So he has 4 legs and is kinda hairy, so what? He's been my faithful companion and protector since the day I adopted him. He's been a better and more faithful friend than most people I know. His safety is paramount to me so I'd have evac'd immediately and he'd have gone with me.

[Buzz Durkin]

What's sick is the idea that dogs are on par with humans. And if there are some dog owners out there who don't understand that, then may I suggest that they are the ones who probably shouldn't be owning a pet.

Yup, I value my dogs more than I do some humans. The guy who left his dog? I'd take his dog and leave him behind. See ya dude, no room in the boat for you.

But really it's about responsiblitly and loyalty. If you don't get that, I can't help you.

[goin2disneyagain]

What's sick is the idea that dogs are on par with humans. And if there are some dog owners out there who don't understand that, then may I suggest that they are the ones who probably shouldn't be owning a pet.

Now, since I do love my dog and want to ensure that it stays alive, I would have done what another poster suggested and evacuated with my pet before I got into the situation.

However if I ever found myself in this predicament whether it was my fault or not, the dog stays behind. You don't potentially put dogs before people. As heartbreaking as it is to imagine some poor dog pining away for an owner its never going to see again, it's 100 times more heart breaking to imagine a child dying from a capsized rescue boat or the mother of a child drowning in rising waters because there was no room left in the rescue boat.

I think the dying child scenario is sick - while the dying dog scenario is merely tragic.


You comments sickened me too. I was trying hard to bite my tongue when I read your 1st post so I am glad someone else said something to you. I completely agree with Buzz Durkin. I don't have much use for a person that would be cruel to animals and yes that is cruel. They have just as much of a right to live as a human does. God did put them on this earth. If my dog can't go then I can't go. By the way, more hotels should allow people to bring their pets during hurricanes because a lot of people feel the same way that most of us that have posted on this thread do. They won't leave if they can't take their pets with them and that puts them in a potentially bad situation and people die because of that. So really it is cruel that some people are forced to stay behind to care for their pets and put themselves and their pets in harms way because hotels won't accept pets so if you want to talk about who it being sad that people put pets before themselves then maybe you should think about hotel operators forcing people into that situation because they won't accept pets during a hurricane.

Also, how can you suggest that someone shouldn't have a dog and is a bad pet owner when they have the same respect for their pets that they do for humans and would not leave without their dog?? That's taking responsibility for a LIFE, one of God's creatures!! That's taking responsibility period!!

[Buzz Durkin]

You comments sickened me too. I was trying hard to bite my tongue when I read your 1st post so I am glad someone else said something to you. I completely agree with Buzz Durkin. I don't have much use for a person that would be cruel to animals and yes that is cruel. They have just as much of a right to live as a human does. God did put them on this earth. If my dog can't go then I can't go. By the way, more hotels should allow people to bring their pets during hurricanes because a lot of people feel the same way that most of us that have posted on this thread do. They won't leave if they can't take their pets with them and that puts them in a potentially bad situation and people die because of that. So really it is cruel that some people are forced to stay behind to care for their pets and put themselves and their pets in harms way because hotels won't accept pets so if you want to talk about who it being sad that people put pets before themselves then maybe you should think about hotel operators forcing people into that situation because they won't accept pets during a hurricane.

Also, how can you suggest that someone shouldn't have a dog and is a bad pet owner when they have the same respect for their pets that they do for humans and would not leave without their dog?? That's taking responsibility for a LIFE, one of God's creatures!! That's taking responsibility period!!

:worship:

Right on!

[HappyMommy2]

I have thought about this situation quite a bit. I didn't watch the video; I would have cried my eyes out.

I love my cat dearly. He has been with us almost 11 years, through thick and thin. I understand what it means to love a pet wholeheartedly. However, if I had to, I would leave him behind in a desperate situation. If the man on the rooftop had said "If my pet can't go, I won't go" the boat probably would have passed him on by--there were thousands of other people to rescue, and no time to lose. :(
It's one thing for a childless person to choose that they will stay with their pet, but as a mother, if I were to say "put my kids and husband in the boat; I will stay with my pet if you won't take him too" I would be abandoning my human family and in my opinion that would be even more horrible than abandoning my pet.

This whole thing is just rotten all around, for people and animals alike. Just utterly unimaginable.

[MossMan]

If my dog can't go, I don't go. Period.
OK, if that’s the way you want. Stay behind then. Your dog still dies, the only difference is you do too.


The guy who left his dog? I'd take his dog and leave him behind. See ya dude, no room in the boat for you.
So you would save the dog but let the human die. The dog gets to play fetch again, but someone never gets to see their Dad again. The dogs get to hang is head out the car window one more time, but some grieving woman has to bury their husband. Yeah, I got it all right.




But really it's about responsiblitly and loyalty. If you don't get that, I can't help you.
Know what, between the two of us I think you are the one having difficulty with the whole responsibility thing.


You comments sickened me too.
What exactly sickened you? Was it the part where I said scarce resources should be used to save as many dehydrated babies as we can get to before we start rounding up homeless dogs. Is that what made you sick?

If that’s the case maybe you could volunteer your time and be in charge of informing the parents of dead babies that the reason they couldn’t get any fresh water was because of the ongoing efforts to save dogs. I’m sure reasonable right-thinking people will understand this. If we need to sacrifice a few kids in order to save dogs, then so be it. If anyone complains you can explain to them how dogs have just as much right to live as their babies did. Then maybe you scold them for suggesting that their dead kid was worth more than some beagle.


I don't have much use for a person that would be cruel to animals and yes that is cruel.
Funny you should say that because I don’t have much use for a person who would use their love of dogs as an excuse to be cruel to people. Think about it. I love my dog. But I would sacrifice its life in a second if I thought that doing so would potentially save any person in your family.

[Miller1412]

I don't think it's an issue of right and wrong. People have to be saved first. I'm sure it's breaking the hearts of the rescuers as well to have to leave an animal behind. I'm sure the officials who told the boy to leave his dog weren't being heartless and cruel, it surely tore them up. It is just a sad situation all the way around and rescuers are doing the best that they can right now. We certainly can't sit in judgement of them and make them out to be terribly inhuman with no feeling. If they had no compassion, they wouldn't be doing what they are doing now and risking their lives.

We don't know the whole story. I have seen several photos of rescuers with dogs. Maybe there is hope for this dog yet. Maybe animal rescuers will soon be able to help. I'd like to be hopeful.

[Luv2Roam]

I have not read this thread and cannot watch the video. I am just on overload myself now.
I was watching TV this morning and a young dog was on an interstate road in NO. A camera man tried to give it water. The dog went balistic yelping and acting as if in pain, and did not take the water.
That was my last emotional nerve.
I did donate money to The Humane Society of the United States after seeing that.
We will be at Petsmart this weekend. I am sure they have some program in effect too.
I just have seen too many heart wrenching video clips this week.
I don't know if this is the best one to donate to for pets. But I give to them when there is a disaster.
https://secure.hsus.org/01/disaster_relief_fund_2005?

[Christine]

I have both children and dogs and, honestly, I can't even imagine myself in that situation. I also cannot watch this video. Hopefully, I would have been in a position to just get myself and my pets out of there.

But, what I wish would happen is that they would just let the Humane Society go in there, with their resources, and try to get control of the animal situation. Either by rescuing dogs/cats that appear to be doing well, or being able to euthanize suffering animals (humanely) on the spot. Fortunately, dogs (not sure about cats) CAN probably survive better out in the elements than we can. They can eat and drink stuff we never would be able to. Even if the Humane Society could just feed the surviving animals a bit so they don't suffer would make me feel better.

[Miller1412]

"National Guard officers said dogs were being taken to a stairwell in the New Orleans Center, a shopping mall near the Superdome, and given food and water. They feared some of them might have escaped, and two small dogs were seen wandering nearby streets."


This is a quote from Foxnews.com
At least some of these animals might have a fighting chance.

[Pin Wizard]

It is very hard to watch. My DH and I discussed what we would do if we were hit by a natural disaster. We agreed, our two four-legged children :dog2: :dog: would have to go with us-where ever we went.
And that's a big reason some people don't evacuate! Pets aren't allowed at shelters. :( I can understand it, but it's horrible. I know I stayed home rather than evacuated at times in FL because of my dog. There's no way I'd leave him, and the vet offices are booked fast. Once I did take him to the vet's when one was on the way.

I remember my former boss in FL telling me that during a hurricane her daughter refused to leave their dog. Her daughter was scared to death, but spent the time in the CLOSET with him. :paw:

Watching that was heartbreaking. :sad: :sad: :paw:

[poochie]

Ok, after watching that I have been crying for the last 10 minutes. I just had to go and hug my Max :dog2: and promise him I would never leave him behind. :hug:

[Shugardrawers]

And that's a big reason some people don't evacuate! Pets aren't allowed at shelters. :( I can understand it, but it's horrible.

I guess the big difference here is that I do have somewhere to evacuate to. A private home where my dog is just as welcome as I am. I understand, really I do, that human life has to take priority in emergencies. That's why I'd evac first. Many of the people left in NO didn't have the resources to leave. They probably shouldn't be raising pets then. I know that sounds cruel but it's true. They found a way to provide for their pets before and now they should just walk away?

[perdidobay]

I love my dogs as much as I do my human children. That said, I would stay behind with my dogs if they couldn't go. It is my life, my choice, just as other's would have their own choice to make.
I look at it this way, like in Sophie's Choice,if I left them behind, it would get me in the end. :paw:

[dmslush]

I wouldn't have left my dog and cats.. they are my babies :paw: :cat:

[stacy347]

I didn't even try to watch the video ~ I've been crying non-stop with the news already. But I did go to the ASPCA website and make a donation this morning because they are down there rescuing as many left-behind pets as they can. :dog:

[goin2disneyagain]

OK, if that’s the way you want. Stay behind then. Your dog still dies, the only difference is you do too.


So you would save the dog but let the human die. The dog gets to play fetch again, but someone never gets to see their Dad again. The dogs get to hang is head out the car window one more time, but some grieving woman has to bury their husband. Yeah, I got it all right.


Know what, between the two of us I think you are the one having difficulty with the whole responsibility thing.


What exactly sickened you? Was it the part where I said scarce resources should be used to save as many dehydrated babies as we can get to before we start rounding up homeless dogs. Is that what made you sick?

If that’s the case maybe you could volunteer your time and be in charge of informing the parents of dead babies that the reason they couldn’t get any fresh water was because of the ongoing efforts to save dogs. I’m sure reasonable right-thinking people will understand this. If we need to sacrifice a few kids in order to save dogs, then so be it. If anyone complains you can explain to them how dogs have just as much right to live as their babies did. Then maybe you scold them for suggesting that their dead kid was worth more than some beagle.


Funny you should say that because I don’t have much use for a person who would use their love of dogs as an excuse to be cruel to people. Think about it. I love my dog. But I would sacrifice its life in a second if I thought that doing so would potentially save any person in your family.

I never saw one single persons post that said to let a human die to save a dog. What we said is they shouldn't be turned away if they have a dog. That's all some of those people have left. Don't make assumptions of something no one ever said. You are twisting the point into something they are not. If we want to die to protect our pets it is our right. As I said before, if more shelters and hotels would allow pets during hurricanes LESS PEOPLE WOULD DIE because they wouldn't stay behind to stay with their pets.

[hawkrn]

please, please give to the humane society or any animal rescue operation of your choice. I gave to the humance society (they have a disaster relief fund specifically for the hurricane) and they email me updates on their progress. They are currently rescuing the pets from the superdome and taking them to temporary shelter. They have air-conditioned trucks down in Gulfport and provisions for dogs, cats, horses, etc. BUT they are not being allowed in because they are not considered "emergency" vehicles. That makes me sick. I totally agree with everyone-no dogs, no me.

[avdeane]

That video is definitely heartbreaking and brought me to tears too. :sad1: We would not leave our pup Maggie behind, nor would we leave our birds (we have small carriers we can take them in if needed).

[kayeandjim00]

I couldn't agree more with those of you who said that you would wait and take your chances before you left your animals behind. I agree with Esmerelda at the first hint of a possible disaster like this I would pack up my animals and evacuate knowing that they might not be welcome if the disaster materialized. When I rescued my three furbabies I made a commitment to them for the rest of their lives for better or worse. When my Tigger went to sleep earlier I was sitting in the living room downstairs, when he woke up I was upstairs on the computer. He immediately started to meow and cry until he heard my voice and came running to find me. They are as connected to me as I am to them and the thought that I could leave them behind would just never cross my mind. Our pets would think nothing of putting their lives on the line for us, how could we not do it for them? How many animals have saved their owners from fire, warned them of intruders, etc? Yet when the tables are turned people don't think twice about leaving them behind. That video will haunt me for a long time. I'm glad I saw it even though it was hard. It put an animal face on this issue.
I really hope that some of the people who have posted so negatively about other's desire to save their animals have no pets with that attitude. Sometimes I just don't understand people's desire to post on threads so negatively.

[Shenzi]

What is this "babies vs. dogs" thing? Why does it have to be either/or? :confused3

You can rescue both pets and people. If it really came down to deciding if a pet or a child got the last spot on a rescue boat - well, of course the child should go, as sad as it is. But really - how often is that likely to occur? Every effort possible should be made to rescue both people and their pets. There's just no excuse for letting another living, breathing creature die if it's possible to save it - whether it's a person or a pet.

[goin2disneyagain]

I just heard on FOX News that the Humane Society rescued 120 animals yesterday in Gulfport. They had a representative on. He said they were not being allowed into many areas of New Orleans. Many pet owners are calling and giving them exact locations of their homes and where they left their pets behind. Hopefully they can get to them before it is too late.

[goin2disneyagain]

What is this "babies vs. dogs" thing? Why does it have to be either/or? :confused3

You can rescue both pets and people. If it really came down to deciding if a pet or a child got the last spot on a rescue boat - well, of course the child should go, as sad as it is. But really - how often is that likely to occur? Every effort possible should be made to rescue both people and their pets. There's just no excuse for letting another living, breathing creature die if it's possible to save it - whether it's a person or a pet.
That's exactly the point I have been trying to make to Moss Man. They should be saving both. Somehow he thinks that if you save a pet then you are sacrificing a human. :confused3

[theSurlyMermaid]

Won't watch the video. I have no desire to start crying and give myself a headache now.

DH and I would be in a car with our buddies as soon as we could, driving to a place that would take two small dogs....plenty of hotels do, but they are probably harder to find unless you know where you're going first. That's why I visit dogfriendly.com regularly...a nice little resource. I could never never never leave them. I would be torn up for the rest of my life. I could not live with myself. And neither could DH.

[robsmom]

It's one thing for a childless person to choose that they will stay with their pet, but as a mother, if I were to say "put my kids and husband in the boat; I will stay with my pet if you won't take him too" I would be abandoning my human family and in my opinion that would be even more horrible than abandoning my pet.

This whole thing is just rotten all around, for people and animals alike. Just utterly unimaginable.

I think that says it all. I think for someone to stay behind with their pet and then hopefully make a later boat is admirable. But while people are still stranded a dog can not take a human spot on the boat and if the stranded person has family can they really risk leaving a fatherless child to save the pet? Would it have been ok for people on the Titanic to take up a seat on the lifeboats for their pets? Or could you see a women handing her kid into a lifeboat and saying I will go down with my pet? It is a tragedy that an living thing died but to me the choice is sad but obvioous.

[Planogirl]

What if a person held a pet on their lap? That wouldn't take extra space.

[goin2disneyagain]

I think that says it all. I think for someone to stay behind with their pet and then hopefully make a later boat is admirable. But while people are still stranded a dog can not take a human spot on the boat and if the stranded person has family can they really risk leaving a fatherless child to save the pet? Would it have been ok for people on the Titanic to take up a seat on the lifeboats for their pets? Or could you see a women handing her kid into a lifeboat and saying I will go down with my pet? It is a tragedy that an living thing died but to me the choice is sad but obvioous.
Can someone please point out the post that suggests that someone leave a human behind to rescue a pet?? I can't find it anywhere. As Planogirl suggested, humans can hold most pets.

[eclectics]

I think that says it all. I think for someone to stay behind with their pet and then hopefully make a later boat is admirable. But while people are still stranded a dog can not take a human spot on the boat and if the stranded person has family can they really risk leaving a fatherless child to save the pet? Would it have been ok for people on the Titanic to take up a seat on the lifeboats for their pets? Or could you see a women handing her kid into a lifeboat and saying I will go down with my pet? It is a tragedy that an living thing died but to me the choice is sad but obvioous.


Actually on the Titanic, a First Class passenger, Henry Sleeper Harper took his Pekingese with him on the lifeboat. I believe another dog was saved also. Most of the rest were in the ships kennel and perished.

[goin2disneyagain]

I just heard a report on Fox News that at least 300 pets have been rescued from New Orleans and taken elsewhere by the ASPCA. :paw: :paw:

[Kim&Chris]

I just heard a report on Fox News that at least 300 pets have been rescued from New Orleans and taken elsewhere by the ASPCA. :paw: :paw:


Thanks so much for that update :dog: :dog2: :dog: :dog2:

[O2BNWDW]

:sad: :sad1: :sad1: :sad1: :sad1: :sad1: :sad1:

I just can't imagine leaving my Zima dog or ANY animal behind.

Why did I watch it...going to hug my baby now. :paw: :grouphug:

[goin2disneyagain]

I just saw another clip on FOX News that shows a small dog on the hood of a car. He is standing in water and there is a man at the edge of the house, I guess trying to rescue the dog (or at least that is what I hope he was doing). The cute little dog is waging his tail and looking at the man like "please come get me". I hope he was rescued. They didn't show the man leaving or what happens to the dog. They were discussing animal rescue with another professional.

[Alysa]

Oh God. I can't stop crying - please put a warning on that post.

[EsmeraldaX]

That's exactly the point I have been trying to make to Moss Man. They should be saving both. Somehow he thinks that if you save a pet then you are sacrificing a human. :confused3

I know. I don't get it either. If rescue efforts were made in an orderly fashion, there could be rescue boats moving constantly, and there is no reason why people and their pets could not be saved at the same time. Or they could even have people hold the pets. Or they could ask the people on the roofs if they wanted to wait for special pet boats that animal rescue teams could send out. There are ways.

Also, as for the decidedly idiotic comment about a dog possibly capsizing a boat, that is seriously about the dumbest thing I have ever heard but I guess if one has never been on a small boat with a dog, one does not know any better. I have been on a boat, in bad weather/water with a large dog and lo and behold, the boat did not capsize. It takes a lot more than a dog moving to capsize a boat. :rolleyes:

[EsmeraldaX]

OK, if that’s the way you want. Stay behind then. Your dog still dies, the only difference is you do too.


You bet. And, at least I'd go to my maker knowing I kept my promises.

[goin2disneyagain]

You bet. And, at least I'd go to my maker knowing I kept my promises.
Exactly. I could never live with myself knowing that I had abandoned my pet. The guilt would be too overwelming for me.

[JKanownik]

OMG! How cruel!

Those people went back and saved the dog once the camera was turned off, right?

DH and I were at PetSmart tonight and we donated money to the animal victims of Katrina. If you are interested in donating to the animals be sure to check with your local PetSmart store.

[EsmeraldaX]

We also made a donation at Petsmart today.

[mousey]

I talked to someone who is being deployed to New Orleans tomorrow for the coast guard. I told him about the black dog that was left behind in the video and asked him to look out for him--lets hope he does.

[TheDisneyBunch]

Something nice to see after such a sad video! ..
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20050903/i/r2443266253.jpg?

A man making sure his dogs are safe!

and a national guardsman giving a rabbit he found some water ..
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20050903/capt.msdp12209032220.hurricane_katrina_msdp122.jpg ?x=380&y=276&sig=mPMckPp_81GBo8j6QKTB1Q--

and a woman gives her dog who she took with her some water..
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20050903/capt.ardj10209032118.katrina_evacuees_ardj102.jpg? x=329&y=345&sig=NMegyzm6.uH6iI946av3fw--

Some people are at least doing right by these animals.

[JKanownik]

Thank you for posting these. It's nice to see some people care about the animals. I have been so depressed about that poor dog that was left behind, I cried all night long.

[thelittlemermaid]

Something nice to see after such a sad video! ..
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20050903/i/r2443266253.jpg?

A man making sure his dogs are safe!

and a national guardsman giving a rabbit he found some water ..
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20050903/capt.msdp12209032220.hurricane_katrina_msdp122.jpg ?x=380&y=276&sig=mPMckPp_81GBo8j6QKTB1Q--

and a woman gives her dog who she took with her some water..
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20050903/capt.ardj10209032118.katrina_evacuees_ardj102.jpg? x=329&y=345&sig=NMegyzm6.uH6iI946av3fw--

Some people are at least doing right by these animals.

TheDisneyBunch...Thanks for posting those links!!! I feel a little better knowing that there are caring people down there that care about the animals.

[JKanownik]

I was just watching Fox News and they were showing a live attempt to rescue 2 men on a roof and a little dog. I am happy to report that all 3 have been safely rescued by chopper!

Thank goodness that they did not leave the dog this time. :paw:

[Planogirl]

I hope that they start letting the animal rescue groups into all of New Orleans soon. :(

The Dallas SPCA will soon be getting many rescued pets. They have lowered the cost of adopting animals dramatically this weekend in order to hopefully make room for these animals.

[Olaf]

This video should act as a warning to those of you with pets. If a storm is coming and you care about your animals, then you heed warnings and get out.

They intereviewed a man who swam through the water for hours with his dogs. He made it to the French quarter and was holed up with a group of people. He said he just kept apologizing to the dogs for putting them in this situation.

I evacuated Charleston for Floyd, spending 20 hours on the road (a trip to FL which normally takes 7 hours), because of my dogs.

On a bright note, I just saw a small dog loaded into a liter and being hoisted with his owner. It's sad, but humans have to come first.

[goin2disneyagain]

Something nice to see after such a sad video! ..
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20050903/i/r2443266253.jpg?

A man making sure his dogs are safe!

and a national guardsman giving a rabbit he found some water ..
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20050903/capt.msdp12209032220.hurricane_katrina_msdp122.jpg ?x=380&y=276&sig=mPMckPp_81GBo8j6QKTB1Q--

and a woman gives her dog who she took with her some water..
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20050903/capt.ardj10209032118.katrina_evacuees_ardj102.jpg? x=329&y=345&sig=NMegyzm6.uH6iI946av3fw--

Some people are at least doing right by these animals.
Thanks for posting these. I had a hard time sleeping last night thinking about the poor animals.

[goin2disneyagain]

Geraldo rescued an elderly lady that was on Fox News. She said she stayed because of her dog. Geraldo rescued her dog Dusty too. :)

[Cyndirella]

TheDisneyBunch, Thanks for posting some pictures to make me feel a little better about the animals! That video of the dog on the roof has been haunting me, as well as the story about the little boy having to leave his dog, Snowball, behind. So sad.

[TheDisneyBunch]

I am glad it helped some of you! When I watched the video I cried all night thinking about it. It was so very heartbreaking. I was so glad to see some uplifting pics so I could not help but share them with you guys! I know how much that upset some of us to see.

[goin2disneyagain]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/Sandrew29/ajc.jpg
This is the caption that accompanied this photo that I saw in my local newspaper today.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Dan Langdon, of Bravo Company 2-4 Aviation, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas, comforts a stray dog after landing his Chinook helicopter in New Orleans.

[two-foxes]

I donated to the www.hsus.org website instead of getting my overpriced haircut this month. It has been killing me to think about the turmoil some folks had to go through with this entire disaster, but then perhaps being put in the position to have to abandon their trusty, ever loving companions. On top of that, to imagine what in the world those poor animals may be suffering through with no one to help. DH called me at work today to tell me that he saw some great footage on Fox News that included some pets being rescued and said, "See, sweetie, they are helping the pets!" (He knew I had been dwelling on that lately)

DH and I both know that when you take on the responsibility of a pet, you take on the reponsibility for their welfare, health and safety and well being 100% to the best of your ability. It is a shame that perhaps the ability of some in this insane tragedy was limited. DH and I also had the talk about our boys and girl (Orion and Copper the dogs, and the cat Macy) and they would not be abandoned as long as we could help it. They are truely our loyal companions, kids, and official "We are soooo happy to see you, even in the morning when you have those goofy glasses on and your hair is looking pretty funky" wake up call. :dog: :dog2: :cat: I find it impossible to think that I would leave them knowing they would most likely suffer and die to save myself....but then again, I have never and hopefully will never have to face a situation that I would have to make that choice.

I am glad I got impatient waiting for the video to load......sounds like I didn't want to see what was happening :(

[transparant]

OMG. That video literally breaks my heart. I can't imagine leaving my dog like that.

[goin2disneyagain]

I just saw a photo of a shih-tzu that was swimming in water by itself. Its little head is barely above water and there is no one insight. How sad!! :sad: I hope the photographer saved it after he took the photo.

[Disney-Kim]

You would hope that the camera people who are getting all this sad pet footage would just save them, you know? instead of getting "the shot".
its so heartbreaking.

[The DIS Moderator Team]

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[goin2disneyagain]

I just saw a photo of a shih-tzu that was swimming in water by itself. Its little head is barely above water and there is no one insight. How sad!! :sad: I hope the photographer saved it after he took the photo.
I think the owner was reunited with its owner. A lady on Fox was shown reunitint with her 2 dogs and 1 of them looked just like this little dog. She said they swam the waters together (maybe she just wasn't in the photo). That little dog looked so happy to see its mommy. :goodvibes :paw: :paw:

[EsmeraldaX]

Have you all seen this :

http://www.snowballschance.org/

[goin2disneyagain]

Have you all seen this :

http://www.snowballschance.org/
I was just coming back to post this.

Here's an update on Snowball.
We have confirmation from the State Veterinarian's office in Louisiana that Snowball, the little white terrier mix who was shown on many news broadcasts as he was not allowed to board the evacuee bus with his owner, is safe. He was immediately rescued and is in the hands of caring professionals. That's all the information we know, but we thought that the many people who were concerned about him would be happy to know that he is safe.

Hopefully he will soon be reunited with the little boy.

[EsmeraldaX]

Hopefully he will soon be reunited with the little boy.

I hope so. I seriously considered driving down there myself when I saw that broadcast, I was so mad.

That poor child has been through enough. Why make him lose one more thing after he's lost so much already. Ho wmuch space on the kids lap could Snowball have possibly taken up on a bus???

[transparant]

I was just coming back to post this.

Here's an update on Snowball.
We have confirmation from the State Veterinarian's office in Louisiana that Snowball, the little white terrier mix who was shown on many news broadcasts as he was not allowed to board the evacuee bus with his owner, is safe. He was immediately rescued and is in the hands of caring professionals. That's all the information we know, but we thought that the many people who were concerned about him would be happy to know that he is safe.

Hopefully he will soon be reunited with the little boy.

I would love to see that reunion :love:

[Jamesbyr]

Or they could ask the people on the roofs if they wanted to wait for special pet boats that animal rescue teams could send out.

[Jamesbyr]

Or they could ask the people on the roofs if they wanted to wait for special pet boats that animal rescue teams could send out.
No I am quoting someone else, who is so far removed from the reality of the situation that they don't realize that there are people leaving behind parents and babies. Special pet boats??? WHAT??

[two-foxes]

jamesbry, you have me puzzled.....

I heard there was one woman who refused to evacuate today because she wanted to bring her 4-year old dog. She was told dog stays, she needs to leave. I think this is causing so much more trauma for people who have already lost so much...be it homes, cars, or loved family members. It is a shame that she had gone so long to care for the little they have left, and now they are being told to leave that living creature they have done their best to save when so much has been lost already. Sad.

Now, on the other hand, Fox showed one of the agricultural arenas in Louisiana that is housing pets that have been left behind, rescued, etc. There were lots of kennels with lots of pets with lots of loving folks caring for them. Good to see the animals getting needed care as well!

[goin2disneyagain]

jamesbry, you have me puzzled.....

I heard there was one woman who refused to evacuate today because she wanted to bring her 4-year old dog. She was told dog stays, she needs to leave. I think this is causing so much more trauma for people who have already lost so much...be it homes, cars, or loved family members. It is a shame that she had gone so long to care for the little they have left, and now they are being told to leave that living creature they have done their best to save when so much has been lost already. Sad.
Exactly!! Why traumatize these people more?? In a lot of cases, all the have left is their pets.

I saw that woman on Fox today and her story broke my heart. I read a similar story in the newspaper this morning about a 60 something year old man that said he refused to leave when he was told he couldn't take his dogs. He said he had never cried in his life until he starting hearing all the neighbors dogs that were left behind barking. He said he was breaking into those houses today to feed those starving dogs. Good for him!! :paw: :paw:


Jamesbyr,
The media has heard from so many concerned people about the pets that they are all reporting about. It's a big deal to most people. John Gibson earlier asked people to stop emailing him about the pets, he says he hears us and they're working on it. It may not be an issue to you but it is to most of us.

[goin2disneyagain]

I found another photo to share.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/Sandrew29/nodog.jpg
NEW MASCOT: A curious canine finds a home today with members of the Georgia National Guard unit in New Orleans.

[EsmeraldaX]

No I am quoting someone else, who is so far removed from the reality of the situation that they don't realize that there are people leaving behind parents and babies. Special pet boats??? WHAT??

Man, I'm so glad I, and pretty much everyone I know, do not live in your reality. Must be a sucky place to be.

[goin2disneyagain]

Here's is a little bit of encouraging news posted on www.Petfinder.com.

Tuesday, 6 September 2005, 9:30 pm EST
The amount of rescue operations in the hardest hit areas of Mississippi and Louisiana have increased dramatically as rescue workers are gaining access to more of the devastated areas.

In addition to an increase in the amount of rescue efforts we are starting to hear more success stories of animals being reunited with their owners. We can’t stress enough the importance of calling the hot-lines to provide descriptions of lost pets and, if owners looking for lost pets are still in the area, stopping by the shelter to look for their pet.

The out-pouring of support from the animal welfare community, our corporate partners and the public has been phenomenal. We are inundated with inquiries from the public on what they can do to help. We have had one gentleman pledge the use of a cargo plane to fly animals out of the disaster area when needed and the use of his farm in Nebraska to house animals.

The best way to assist in the disaster relief efforts is to make a donation to the organizations involved so that they can purchase much needed supplies and equipment for the rescue and relief efforts and provide assistance to animal welfare groups impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

[goin2disneyagain]

I found this petition to have pets evacuated on www.petfinder.com. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/840979272?ltl=1126065579

[ducklite]

No I am quoting someone else, who is so far removed from the reality of the situation that they don't realize that there are people leaving behind parents and babies. Special pet boats??? WHAT??

Do you have any idea what you are talking about? Didn't think so. Go back to sleep now, we'll wake you up in a few months.

Anne

[AllyandJack]

I don't have kids, so I can say this with certainty. I would NOT leave without my cats. I would die with them...drown with them, die of diseases with them....whatever. I could not leave them there to drown or starve to death. I would never do that.

If I had kids....that would be a different story. Obviously, I would make sure my kids were safe first.

However, I also would have packed my cats up in the car and evacuated. I know some of those people didn't have cars, so they were really stuck.

There really needs to be pet-friendly shelters. If someone is allergic, they can stay on the opposite side from where the animals are. If they're restrained and properly cared for in the shelter, why not?? :confused3

[goin2disneyagain]

I just heard an interview with a representative from Florida that said his state has recognized people often don't leave because of their pets and now have several pet shelters too.

[MickeysMommy]

I don't have kids, so I can say this with certainty. I would NOT leave without my cats. I would die with them...drown with them, die of diseases with them....whatever. I could not leave them there to drown or starve to death. I would never do that.

If I had kids....that would be a different story. Obviously, I would make sure my kids were safe first.

However, I also would have packed my cats up in the car and evacuated. I know some of those people didn't have cars, so they were really stuck.
Me too! There is no way I would leave without Mickey. Everytime I see a pet left behind I cry my eyes out. Last night they kept showing this dog swimming in the water. It just breaks my heart. I kept picking up Mickey and telling him that Mommy would never leave him. It's so awful.

[goin2disneyagain]

I read about this story last week and there is an update in my local paper tonight. www.ajc.com. They are here in Atlanta. This pet story has a happy ending. :goodvibes

Evacuees reunited with pets they left behind
'We never thought we'd see any of them again'

By JANET FRANKSTON
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/08/05
Hurricane Katrina forced people across the Southeast to abandon their homes and leave their lives behind — and in many cases, pet owners made the wrenching decision to leave their pets behind as well.

After so much misery and confusion over the last week, one family spent a joyous afternoon Wednesday reuniting with their four pets at Emory University Hospital.

Valerie and Lorne Bennett, who fled New Orleans after the storm, were reunited with dogs Lady (left) and Oreo at Emory University Hospital.

Valerie Bennett squealed as she hugged her dogs, Lady and Oreo. She cried as they jumped up and licked her face.

"I can't tell you how grateful we are to get our kids back," she said. "We never thought we'd see any of them again."

When they were forced to evacuate, she and her husband, Lorne, left the dogs, along with a cat named P-Kittie and a guinea pig named Piggy Wiggy, at Lindy Boggs Medical Center in New Orleans. The animals traveled by water, air and land before they were reunited with their owners .

"Can you tell me about it?" she asked Lady, a dachshund, on the terrace of the hospital, where Lorne Bennett, 62, is a patient. Lady wagged her tail.

When Katrina was bearing down on the Gulf coast, the Bennetts volunteered at the New Orleans hospital, owned by Tenet Healthcare Corp., where Valerie Bennett works as a nurse. Hospital employees were allowed to bring their pets into the hospital during the storm.

Once the situation worsened and hospital employees were evacuated — without their pets —

Valerie Bennett was so distraught that she offered rescuers a bribe to bring them along: her and her mother's wedding rings.

But the Bennetts had to go without their animals. They were evacuated last Thursday to Dobbins Air Force Base, and then were taken to Emory. Lorne Bennett, who had a liver transplant in 2001, needed medical treatment in the intensive care unit.

The pets left behind at the New Orleans medical center were cared for by an anesthesiologist who promised to stay with the 50 crates of animals until help came.

The first attempt to rescue them failed Sunday when a helicopter sunk into unstable ground and turned over onto its side, said Tenet spokesman Steven Campanini. The next day, a second attempt was successful.

Since then, a Texas veterinarian has cared for the animals and pet owners have worried and worked to get their pets back. Lydia and Jeff Caldwell, who live near Houston, read about the family on the Internet and wanted to help. They drove the Bennetts' pets from Texas to Atlanta.

"Any animal lover would be more than happy to do this for another one," said Lydia Caldwell.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/Sandrew29/image_1818104.jpgThere are actually 5 photos total attached to this story, this is just 1 of them.

[goin2disneyagain]

On Fox, Greta is showing MP's rescuing dogs and giving them food. He said they are rescuing dogs and sending them to shelters. This puppy was his 1st rescue but he said the other MP's had rescued other dogs. He gave the poor little guy his sandwich. This particular puppy was rescued from the roof of a house, they coaxed him down with food.

An update: Greta said not to email her about adopting the puppy. She had already tried but the MP that rescued him had beaten her to it and was taken the puppy home with him. You could tell on the boat ride that he was fond of the little guy. :goodvibes

[Christine]

My co-worker just told me that he was watching Anderson Cooper on CNN last night. Anderson was doing a segment on the pets. He said that actor Matthew McConaghy (sp) had rented a private helicopter and he was going down there and rescuing pets.

Anyone heard this?

[Shugardrawers]

Yes he was on Oprah the other day rescuing pets in a boat. I was glad to see someone actually doing something about those poor babies. I'd take them all if I were able to.

[goin2disneyagain]

My co-worker just told me that he was watching Anderson Cooper on CNN last night. Anderson was doing a segment on the pets. He said that actor Matthew McConaghy (sp) had rented a private helicopter and he was going down there and rescuing pets.

Anyone heard this?
I am so glad to hear this. I didn't realize he was a pet lover. :paw: :paw:

[EsmeraldaX]

My co-worker just told me that he was watching Anderson Cooper on CNN last night. Anderson was doing a segment on the pets. He said that actor Matthew McConaghy (sp) had rented a private helicopter and he was going down there and rescuing pets.

Anyone heard this?

Wow, I watched a movie with him in it last night (A Time to Kill,from around 1996, which was excellent by the way) and was thinking throughout the movie that he was a cutie. Now I have even more reason to like the guy.

[JKanownik]

They did a segment about pets on NBC Nightly News. One man said if he is told he has to leave without his dog, he will tell them to shoot him. They were showing some reunions, but they also showed one man who had to evactuate without his pet. I think they said his name was Juan. He placed his dog in a cage to be sent off to a shelter and walked away with his head down. He then went over to a truck, put his head in his arms and started crying. I started bawling at that point. I hope they will find each other again someday. :sad1:

[goin2disneyagain]

A little bit of good news.

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=52959

To: National Desk

Contact: Karen L. Allanach of the Humane Society of the United States, 301-548-7778; 301-442-6658 or kallanach@hsus.org

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The United States Coast Guard and National Guard troops have begun to allow pets to accompany people who are being evacuated from New Orleans. Their efforts will help The Humane Society of the United States disaster animal response teams and other animal responders who are in Louisiana and Mississippi working desperately to save as many pets as possible as time runs out for animals.

The task is overwhelming even for the combined efforts of all of the animal welfare groups in the Gulf region. It will take the augmenting of rescue forces to respond to the tens of thousands of animals in need. Yesterday, The HSUS issued a plea to federal, state and local agencies for help to rescue the thousands of animals in distress in the afflicted areas.

Disaster Animal Response Teams working with The HSUS and other organizations to rescue animals in Louisiana and Mississippi have made significant progress in the last 24 hours.

"Our representatives in New Orleans called in late yesterday with the good news that National Guard troops are becoming involved with animal rescues and the U.S. Coast Guard is allowing evacuees to bring their pets with them from the flood-ravaged city," said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO. "We've also heard reports that rescuers have been allowed to break into storm-damaged properties to rescue animals in dire need of assistance."

The HSUS teams have been involved with more than 1,000 animal rescues in Louisiana and Mississippi to date.

1-800-HUMANE-1 or http://www.hsus.org

In one dramatic rescue, a humane officer went to find a pit bull mix trapped under a house that was on fire. Just as a helicopter dumped water on the blaze, the humane officer ran through smoke and fire and found the dog tethered underneath a house where he had wound himself tightly around the PVC piping.

The officer determined the dog posed no threat and was working to cut him loose when the dog jumped on him and started licking his face. A leash was slipped over his head, the tether was cut off, and the lucky dog was escorted back through the haze and heat to the cool comfort of the animal control truck.

In yet another emotional rescue, a disaster relief team found seven stranded cats in a fetid and scorching apartment. Several of the cats cowered in the bathroom and two were hidden under a bed. All were safely rescued and put on the air-conditioned animal control truck.

"I don't think that there is anything that can compare to this disaster for animals," said David Pauli, HSUS regional director who is with the New Orleans team and has been doing emergency response for animals for 30 years. "This rescue mission will set the standard by which all responders will be trained for future disasters."

In Mississippi, an animal disaster hotline is in operation. The number is 1-888-722-3106. A pet-friendly shelter has been established in Barn 8 at the Jackson, Miss. fairgrounds.

In the New Orleans area, many animals have already been removed from the city or evacuated with their families ahead of the storm, but The HSUS has logged over 2,000 reports of animals in need of help. Teams in the field are responding to those reports and picking up a large number of animals on rooftops and other locations. Those animals are being moved to a temporary shelter in Gonzales, La. where they are evaluated and identified. Each animal will be tracked to facilitate reunions with their families.

More than 250 people are now in Louisiana and Mississippi rescuing and caring for the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina and animal control officers, veterinary technicians, and other professionals from around the country have answered the call for help and are streaming into the disaster zone to lend their skills in animal rescue, humane handling, sheltering to the historic effort to save the animals.

At The HSUS' offices in the Washington area, staff and volunteers are answering phone calls, organizing deliveries of supplies and equipment, and coordinating efforts in the field. The organization has received an unprecedented number of phone calls and emails from people around the world who are concerned about the plight of the animals.

For more information on how to volunteer with this effort or to donate, go to http://www.hsus.org.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 9 million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country.

[Pea-n-Me]

They did a segment about pets on NBC Nightly News. One man said if he is told he has to leave without his dog, he will tell them to shoot him. They were showing some reunions, but they also showed one man who had to evactuate without his pet. I think they said his name was Juan. He placed his dog in a cage to be sent off to a shelter and walked away with his head down. He then went over to a truck, put his head in his arms and started crying. I started bawling at that point. I hope they will find each other again someday. :sad1:
How sad. :sad1:

I saw this article today on rescue efforts.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/08/pet.rescue/index.html

DH told me this morning he heard on the news that the mayor of NO was calling for the shooting of dogs because they are "becoming a burden". Can anyone confirm? I sure hope this isn't the case...

I did see on our local news last night a plane touched down in Boston carrying evacuees and among them were 6 dogs who appeared pretty happy to be on dry ground. :goodvibes I was so happy to see that after going to be kind of sad last night watching the video at the beginning of this thread.

[poochie]

How sad. :sad1:



DH told me this morning he heard on the news that the mayor of NO was calling for the shooting of dogs because they are "becoming a burden". Can anyone confirm? I sure hope this isn't the case...

I did see on our local news last night a plane touched down in Boston carrying evacuees and among them were 6 dogs who appeared pretty happy to be on dry ground. :goodvibes I was so happy to see that after going to be kind of sad last night watching the video at the beginning of this thread.


I vote for shooting of the cold hearted mayor he seems to have been a bigger burden. :mad:

[Maria395712]

just bumping this up in hopes of keeping the donations coming to the animals
maria

[Maria395712]

front page of my newapaper I just saw a picture of a woman who rescued 22 dogs she is a hero
maria

[EsmeraldaX]

front page of my newapaper I just saw a picture of a woman who rescued 22 dogs she is a hero
maria
:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[Maria395712]

I need wb address for noah's wish does anyone have that

[EsmeraldaX]

I need wb address for noah's wish does anyone have that
http://www.noahs-wish.org/

[Maria395712]

thank you I just tried it's not working at the moment as people overloaded it!
that's GREAT I hope they all keep it coming !
maria
PS you dog is sooo cute I wish I could put pictures in but I am not good at computers. my dog Broolkyn is a teacup chihauhau who looks exactly like Paria Hilton's Tinkerbell he's just about 3 lbs and we take him everywhere he is a family member. I have to give up staying at disney when the whole family goes we stay at universal with him I hope disney makes a pet friendly hotel someday

[Planogirl]

Has anyone read anything about cats? I can imagine that they're much harder to rescue since they tend to hide when they're frightened. :(

[frozone]

Has anyone read anything about cats? I can imagine that they're much harder to rescue since they tend to hide when they're frightened. :(

From what I've heard, even dogs are running from rescuers. They are frightened and starving. :(


Glad to hear from other people worried about this. My DD is in the kitchen now making cookies for a bake sale next week to raise $$$ for the Humane Society.

[Planogirl]

Cats often won't even make an appearance. I worry that rescuers will enter a home and then won't be able to find any cats.

[frozone]

Cats often won't even make an appearance. I worry that rescuers will enter a home and then won't be able to find any cats.

You're probably right. I just hope some sort of survival instinct kicks in and they come out. Hopefully some of the rescuers know what to look for.

[Maria395712]

they are getting cats too I read today 4 kittens were found floating on a door and 7 cats were found in an apartment no food no water
maria

[Maria395712]

just heard on CNN a man got his dog , puppy , and cat all jumped into the boat they were very very emanciated but now been taken care of lucky for them :banana: :cheer2:

[JKanownik]

I have not forgotten about the cats and I hope others are thinking of them as well! The school that I work for had a tractor trailer donated to us and has been sitting in our school yard since last Wednesday. We have been asking people to fill the truck with items that the victims need and the truck will be driven to Gulfport, MS on Wednesday. Tonight DH and I went to BJ's (like Sam's Club) and bought several bags of cat food and litter to donate. We figured that most people are dog lovers and that cats may be overlooked. We have 3 cats and could not imagine life without them! :cat:

[Maria395712]

JKanownik
good for you I love cats and dogs.
just saw CNN and they said the Houston aspca needs donations I am watching for the web site again to send a donation directly to them also. everything helps
maria

[TallyLassie]

You're probably right. I just hope some sort of survival instinct kicks in and they come out. Hopefully some of the rescuers know what to look for.

Not to be too gross, but if the cats are indoors, after a week you will certainly know that they are in there. After a week I imagine that the litter box is pretty smelly. Hopefully, the owners left plenty of food and water.

[EsmeraldaX]

thank you I just tried it's not working at the moment as people overloaded it!
that's GREAT I hope they all keep it coming !
maria
PS you dog is sooo cute I wish I could put pictures in but I am not good at computers. my dog Broolkyn is a teacup chihauhau who looks exactly like Paria Hilton's Tinkerbell he's just about 3 lbs and we take him everywhere he is a family member. I have to give up staying at disney when the whole family goes we stay at universal with him I hope disney makes a pet friendly hotel someday

Thanks.

We saw a teacup Chihauhua a few days ago walking down the street with his owners in Boston. He was the cutest thing. He was just sooo tiny. :goodvibes

[ducklite]

Has anyone read anything about cats? I can imagine that they're much harder to rescue since they tend to hide when they're frightened. :(

I spoke to someone from the Orlando HSUS which is also an ASPCA earlier today. They have over 200 dogs and I want to think 80 some cats (I was driving and not able to take notes) that have been brought to this area from the Gulf coast areas, and they are looking for foster homes.

Anne

[goin2disneyagain]

Several pets were sent here to Atlanta. They showed some of them, mostly dogs but some cats too.

[MickeysMommy]

Just bumping for our furries out there :paw: :dog: :cat: :paw:

[Planogirl]

I spoke to someone from the Orlando HSUS which is also an ASPCA earlier today. They have over 200 dogs and I want to think 80 some cats (I was driving and not able to take notes) that have been brought to this area from the Gulf coast areas, and they are looking for foster homes.

Anne
See this worries me. From what I understand cats are more common now than dogs but they are finding far more dogs right now. Of course, cats are scrappy survivors but I hate to think of them trapped and hiding.

Of course, the smelliness factor is a good point and may help the rescuers. :)

[MickeysMommy]

See this worries me. From what I understand cats are more common now than dogs but they are finding far more dogs right now. Of course, cats are scrappy survivors but I hate to think of them trapped and hiding.

Of course, the smelliness factor is a good point and may help the rescuers. :)
:sad1: This whole thing makes me sad.

I posted Mickey's picture - I could NEVER leave him.

[Planogirl]

:sad1: This whole thing makes me sad.

I posted Mickey's picture - I could NEVER leave him.
I wouldn't leave him either. He's beautiful! :cloud9:

[mainewmn]

Here is my baby http://www.androscoggincounty.com/Draco.jpg

And let me tell you he is trully a baby, and I don't think there he knows he is a dog.

[Planogirl]

mainewmn, he is a sweetie!

See now, how could someone leave such a dog or a kitty like Mickey?

[MickeysMommy]

I wouldn't leave him either. He's beautiful! :cloud9:
Thank you. He is just the best cat - he has the sweetest personality. Lets me pick him up and smother him with kisses and he just puts his little paw on my cheek. I could just eat him. :goodvibes
mainewmn, he is a sweetie!
Oh, he is a sweetie!
See now, how could someone leave such a dog or a kitty like Mickey?
I have no idea :confused3

[mainewmn]

Thank you all! I have no idea how one can leave an animal behind other some people that view animals as position and nothing more. Sad but true! :confused3

[EsmeraldaX]

:goodvibes

mainewmn - My dogs don't know they are dogs either. ;)

What a gorgeous picture. :)

And Mickey is such a sweetie. :goodvibes

You guys want to hear a story?

I was talking to my co worker today, and she is as big an animal lover as me. She was showing me a picture of her grandma's puppy. Apparently someone bought the puppy at a pet store and decided after several months they no longer wanted him. So they dumped him in his kennel with some of his toys and dropped him off in the middle of the night outside of the store. They just left him there! :rolleyes:

Anyway, I guess the store contacted her grandmother who they knew had always admired the puppy (a lhasha apso) and told hers he could just have him, since they didn't want him anymore either. :rolleyes:

I'm not sure how they had her #. But they did. And now he lives with her.

Well, fast fwd a few months....her grandma is offered free housing (I forget why) in a retirement community, a really nice one. Problem, she can only take her dog OR her cat to get this free housing. And she only gets one shot at it.

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: for this woman! She turned it down. She said she'd rather stay where she is and keep her pets - both of them. :cheer2:

:goodvibes :goodvibes Hearing that story from my co worker today just made my day.

Sheri

[MickeysMommy]

Sheri - that warmed my heart :goodvibes

[Maria395712]

go to www.hsus.org
they have updates on how things are going but still need donations
maria :dog: :pug: :dog2:

[Maria395712]

updates at www.aspca.org
in need of more donations
maria :dog: :dog2: :paw: :pug:

[JKanownik]

Has anyone seen the special about animal rescue and reunions from Hurricane Katrina on Animal Planet? It was really heart warming to see so many people that really care about the pets. I saw it last night at 2 AM. I'm sure it will be shown again. Keep an eye out for it.

[Maria395712]

giving a bump
they still need our help visit www.aspca.org amd see the pictures of animals still being rescued
maria