DU Brainstorm thread - PETS How do we get the relief organizations

[xultar]

to include pets in their rescues?

This is something that I can sink my teeth into.

So, lets brainstorm how we can change how pets are treated during disasters?

[JuniperLea]

1. Pet lovers treat their pets like their children

Think of how you would feel if you were forced to leave your child behind. Pets are comforting; they should remain with evacuees.

[xultar]

4. Ahhh yeah. I'm trying to brainstorm so they are treated as such during

a crisis. How can we lobby the relief organizations to get them to treat pets as a part of the family so they aren't left behind.

[NMDemDist2]

2. I am going to send my donations to the furkids rescue folk but I can't

see how there is any way to include animals in a massive effort such as this.

While I love my furkids and wouldn't abandon them, the goverment is correct to focus on the human lives. When resources are scarce people have to come first.

:donning_Flamesuit:

[xultar]

5. I bet we could save more lives if people could bring their pets.

[magellan]

3. I saw the Coast Guard airlift two men and a small dog earlier today

So at least some pets are being rescued. Maybe get in touch with The Humane Society, they're taking donations and pet rescue is their bailiwick.

[xultar]

8. I don't think however that they allow them on planes and buses out

nor are they allowed in shelters which is a direct cause for people wanting to stay behind.

[hlthe2b]

6. Well, the data is there...

There is data showing the advantage of dogs in mental health contexts. A local Colorado health department routinely includes dogs in their mental health clinics and has published those findings. In addition, there is anecdotal evidence from some shelters who HAVE allowed dogs to come with their owners, that it calms the kids, has been well received by all, and not a problem. The veterinary profession can also attest that concerns over health hazards from dogs to people are totally missplaced.

What we need to do is lobby the red cross to include allowing dogs and other pets in the shelters as policy. I mean, at worst, they might have to have a storage room dedicated to caged pets who might not be calm when out with the mass of people. But, I truly doubt that would be frequent.

[xultar]

9. I like this. This is what I'm looking for.

[Individualist]

7. Here's an organization

that is rescuing pets: www.noahswish.org/Hurricane%20Katrina.htm
I've already donated.

[DeepModem Mom]

10. I've donated, and I, too, would welcome any idea that would save...

these peoples' pets. Having to abandon my pets, after going through what these people have been through, might be the last straw for me. I might just lose my reason and sanity at that moment, and say to hell with it. Unfortunately, I think it might take a blanket order from someone high up in the government, or maybe General Honore who seems a humane man.

One really crazy idea -- I don't see much heart to Barbara Bush, but I've read that she was devastated when her famous dog Millie died. She must be an animal lover. Is there any way someone could appeal personally to her, to influence her son W?

[Nitrogenica]

11. Are people's pet's that had to be left behind being "destroyed"?