Like many other people over the past week, I've been mesmerized by the images shown on TV about the devastation after Hurrican Katrina rolled through the Gulf Coast. I've been extremely disappointed with the response from FEMA and our government. Last night, a person who travelled down to New Orleans to help rescue survivors was interviewed by CNN. He said that on his way into the area, they saw bus after bus leaving with no people inside, but they had no problem getting to people who needed help with their truck. He said that many people weren't stranded by Katrina, but by red tape. Unfortunately, this seems to be the case for far too many people. Nick Bradbury has some interesting commentary regarding his feelings about the response. In contrast, it's been great to see the Internet community, and communities across America, come together to do whatever they can to help. One example is CoffeeCup Software, based in Corpus Christi, TX, who is accepting goods that will be delivered to shelters around Texas to help those that have been relocated there. There are many other examples of this type of generosity.
In addition to the hundreds of thousands of people that are affected by this disaster, there are thousands of pets and animals that are stranded and dying in desperate need of rescuing. For some people, these pets are the only companions they have. For others, they are a part of the family. So, when giving to the Red Cross or to the Salvation Army, please also consider giving a portion of your donation to the Humane Society of the United States.
UPDATE: Here's some more links to organizations that are helping save animals in the Gulf Coast region:
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• American Veterinary Medical Foundation
• Humane Society of the United States
• Katrina Found Pets
• American Humane Association
• LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
• Noah’s Wish
• Petfinder.com: Animal Welfare Disaster Resources
• American Kennel Club
• Katrina Pets Need Help
