Hello from the Puppy and the Kitty!
As you can see, all is well with Cookie, S’More, and our other beloved pets. Sadly, this is not the case for many pets along the East Coast who, like their owners, have been uprooted by Sandy. With so much human suffering going on, and destruction everywhere, it is easy to overlook the distress that animals effected by this storm are experiencing as well.
Some wonderful people are volunteering to help these pets. In Long Island, New York, at the Mitchel Field Gymnasium, the Nassau County government has teamed up with several animal welfare organizations to run a pet shelter that is currently housing hundreds of cats, dogs, turtles, rabbits, fish and ferrets. The majority of these pets belong to people who are staying at a nearby Red Cross shelter at the Nassau Community College’s gymnasium. Of the four Red Cross shelters on Long Island, none of them allow pets. So the Mitchel Field pet shelter is so very important at this time. The shelter plans to remain open through the end of November at least, and longer if necessary. They are still accepting drop offs. Want to help? The pet shelter is accepting supply donations of food, treats, cat litter, toys, blankets, towels, poop bags, and cleaning supplies such as paper towels, hand sanitizers and medical gloves. For more information, call 516-272-0017
For those of you not familiar with the North Shore Animal League of Long Island, they are the World’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. On North Shore’s website, there is currently in-depth coverage of the plight of many pets after this storm and the heroic efforts to save and keep them: http://www.animalleague.org/rescue/pet-rescue-programs/emergency-rescue/hurricane-sandy.html
Looking at the need for help beyond cats and dogs, in Brooklyn, NY, a couple who reside in the Red Hook neighborhood are seeking safe havens for their pet chickens. For those who are not aware, keeping chickens has been an increasingly popular hobby in many Brooklyn neighborhoods. Though their apartment was flooded and most of their possessions lost, their chickens were saved during the storm by owners of a local restaurant. You can read more about the chickens and their devoted owners by linking to this article: “A Home for Them, And Their Chickens” http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/nyregion/displaced-by-storm-couple-seeks-rental-with-access-to-chicken-coop.html?smid=pl-share
Many of you are generously donating relief supplies such as food, clothing, and pet food as part of the Sandy relief effort. Please also consider including food and supplies for pets too in your efforts. If you are unsure who in your area is accepting such donations for pet relief, call your local ASPCA and ask.
Another interesting thing I’ve learned: On the FEMA Emergency Management Institute Website, in the Independent Study Home section, are two online courses you can take regarding preparing to help animals survive and get through disasters. One is called “Animals in Disasters: Community Planning” and the other is “Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness” Everything you need to complete the course is provided to you online at this site. It is really worth checking out if you are a pet owner or animal lover. You can find these courses at: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is10a.asp
We can debate among ourselves whether the needs of man or beast is more important. But for we pet owners who love our animals whole-heartedly, their well being is a part of our well being. Let’s make an effort to support those pets and owners who are struggling to get back on their feet, be they two or four. Warm and fuzzies, Diana
Cookie of Katonah 