Another heartbreak of hurricane evacuation: abandoned pets

[Atlas Mugged]

I lived in New Orleans for 20 years; 18 of those years in the Quarter. I never evacuated, no matter how serious the threat, because there was no way I could take all my pets with me. So, don't be too critical of some of the people who stay and try to rough it out; some of them would rather die than leave their pets behind.

[mikita]

1. I can understand that....

best of luck to everyone in the path....

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Will any of the shelters take pets too?

I'd hate to think of someone dying because they can't get to a safe place and take their pets. To many, the pets are like children, so I understand why they want to stay near them. But do the emergency people understand?

[Lorien]

6. Most shelters do not take pets

most animal shelters will put a pet without ID down within one hour of it's arrival once it the shelter is filled. PLEASE MICROCHIP YOUR PETS or, at minimum, have them wear a safety collar with tags.

[friesianrider]

18. Good post - yes, some shelters are starting to allow pets in an emergency

Some hotels do as well. For some people who cannot or do not have two-legged children, our pets ARE our children! :) Leaving them behind would be like leaving my child behind, which would be impossible.

Thankfully, more and more hotels are lifting the pet bans in an emergency and shelters are realizing this and allowing pets who are leashed and/or caged.

[Sannum]

3. Believe me...My cats would go.

I don't care if I would have to shove them in a duffel bag. They would go with me.

Why can't they have plans re: pets?

[Child_Of_Isis]

8. My dogs would go also.

Mine wouldn't fit in a duffle bag but I would shove them in anyway.

[Lorien]

4. See this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4476704

scroll down through the posts for additional links and helpful information.

[Atlas Mugged]

12. Great job, Lorien

My problem was that I have/had cats, dogs, birds and aquariums. Even my fish are loved family members, so there's no easy solution.

[smbolisnch]

5. I keep thinking about all of the animals.

Especially the ones whose owners don't care enough about them not to leave them behind.

I feel the same as you. I could never leave my pets behind. Never. :cry:

[Southsideirish]

13. Me too. The strays, those in outdoor shelters, dogs kept chained to dog

houses (grrrrr.I hate that one!). St. Francis protect them.

[friesianrider]

19. So do I...

The tsunami, hurricanes...I always think first of the animals. People can get up and go just about anywhere at any time. Pets more often than not can't do the same.

My thoughts are with those in the hurricane's path, especially the pets.

[Double T]

7. Domestic pets and animals at the New Orleans Audubon Zoo........

are ALL in critical danger of being killed. People that love ALL these animals are willing to endanger their own lives to protect and save ALL of these animals. It is good to know there are people like that.

[smbolisnch]

11. I agree.

One of our very own at DU is sticking around to help the animals at a shetler. It is so sad, those animals really don't know wht's coming. :(

[Marlie]

14. Sadly

All animals know what's coming. They have that sixth sense we don't.
There's just nothing they can do about it, which is a thought I can
hardly bear.

[peacebuzzard]

9. I have space for animals & their DU guardians seeking shelter

for their critters from this monster storm.
No matter how big or many.
AND I know how they feel. I would never, never abandon my crew.

[Evergreen Emerald]

10. oh my god...I had not thought of that.

What can they do? Think of farmers or those with large animals. That is very sad.

[flvegan]

15. I was here to ride out Charley last year, when it was headed at me.

No way I'd leave my rescues behind. Stupid as it may sound, but you'll find my body amongst theirs.

[China_cat]

16. We rode out Hugo here in Charleston

for the same reason. Now we have a shelter that will take you with your animals.

But for Hugo, one of the worst things was that we found 2 kittens abandoned outside before the storm really got started but we knew that it was going to hit us. The people had evacuated and taken the mama cat with them but left the kittens. Needless to say, they didn't get left outside.

[friesianrider]

20. Good for you! How horrible though...

What kind of sicko leaves little kittens to fend for themselves (and more importantly, why did they have a Momma cat who wasn't fixed!?) What heartless people there are in this world - they were lucky to have been in your path! :)

[friesianrider]

17. I know I wouldn't be going anywhere without my pets.

If my animals aren't going with me, I'm staying right beside them. Besides, all emergency groups say if you must evacuate, take your pets with you.

Thankfully, more and more shelters and hotels are starting to lift no-pet rules when there's an emergency such as this.

My prayers are with all those in the storm's path, especially the animals who can't necessarily protect themselves as much as we can.