Pets and Hurricane Katrina

Rescue workers' first order of business is saving human lives. Clearly this must be the case, but it's still tragic to learn how many evacuees had to leave their pets behind, how many children had to say goodbye to their friends, how many elderly people had to part with their loyal companions. This is how the world works, but in an age where many pets are considered family members, it breaks my heart. I curse nature for this.

Most people I know have donated time, goods or money to the Red Cross, Salvation Army and various local churches and charities. For those of you with time and money left over, please consider the following:

• The Humane Society has sent teams to help rescue animals tearfully left behind. It welcomes any money you can send its way to fund its mission.
• If you've been thinking of adopting a pet, now is an excellent time to do so. The SPCA of Texas has lowered its adoption costs to $40 in the hopes of creating room for the hundreds of animals en route for Texas. Volunteers from the SPCA are moving countless shelter animals from Louisiana to make space for the pets left behind in the flood. The agency is keeping those animals in Louisiana with the hopes of reuniting them with their families.
• Dallas Animal Services needs help at the Oak Cliff and Forney shelters answering calls from the many people looking to help out however they can. If you're interested, contact Jill Williams at 214-670-8312 or cwillia@mail.ci.dallas.tx.us.