KINSHIP CIRCLE RECEIVES PIONEER SPIRIT AWARD, 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANE KATRINA. In photo, director/founder Brenda Shoss — with Jeff Dorson, executive director of Humane Society of Louisiana and host of the Katrina Animal Memorial 2008 — sets up a Gustav table just outside the awards/luncheon room to recruit volunteers for companion animal evacuations at predesignated Parish sites. Photos (c) Kinship Circle, Hurricanes Gustav/Ike 2008


OUR TIES TO KATRINA AND NEW ORLEANS
"Brenda Shoss formed Kinship Circle in 1999 to help animal advocates communicate influentially to key decisionmakers associated with animal cruelty concerns. Kinship Circle offers hands-on tools, such as action campaigns, free humane education materials…and animal disaster response/news."

"After Hurricane Katrina stuck, Kinship Circle united with Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) of Mobile, AL to form Grassroots Effort for Animals of the Storm — sending supplies and volunteers to nearly 80 sites across four storm states. Initially operating in overlooked Mississippi towns, Kinship Circle also worked with a National Guard unit to establish the first rescue crew in flooded Plaquemines Parish, where animals were covered in oil from a spill."

"In October 2005, Brenda became one of the founding coordinators of Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), serving as Food/Water Assignments Director to organize 2,800 feeding stations across 650 sq. miles in Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes. She later worked with Louisiana Senator Fontenot's office, crafting letter campaigns and press materials to help pass the historic Louisiana Pet Evacuation Bill."

"As of 2008, Kinship Circle Disaster Animal Response communicates during disasters to mobilize volunteers, supplies, and other resources for animal victims. Brenda continues to research and circulate disaster aid information via internet. Most recently Iowa officials enlisted Kinship Circle to to staff flood staging areas for animal victims, including dogs, cats…and pigs! But Brenda's heart belongs to New Orleans…where she will never forget Katrina's wrath and the animals left in its wake."


BACK TO TOP - FIELD NOTES LIST AUGUST 28-31, 2008
Hurricane Gustav Animal Evacuations

This man is so sad to temporarily part with his dogs, particularly Ms. Prissy in photo, he breaks down in tears. We assure him they'll reunite at the Shreveport, LA co-shelter. (c) Kinship Circle, Gustav/Ike 2008

Kinship Circle volunteers join other LSART partner organizations to staff pre-determined sites at 12 coastal parishes where people can evacuate with their animals. Most volunteers attend an LSART (Louisiana State Animal Response Team) Evacuation Training to be credentialed in Louisiana.

UNION STATION, LOYOLA STREET, NEW ORLEANS: At the most congested Parish Pickup Point, Kinship Circle's Brenda Shoss, Cheri Deatsch, Grady Ballard and Kim Lea work alongside many local/national groups, including LSART, MuttShack Animal Rescue Foundation, Animal Rescue New Orleans, LA-SPCA, UAN-EARS, ASPCA, Humane Society of Missouri, etc. (c) Kinship Circle, Gustav/Ike 2008

Paperwork is filled out in triplet — one set goes with evacuees, a second is for LSART, and the third travels with the animal transport truck. (c) Kinship Circle, Hurricanes Gustav/Ike 2008

► WORKING TOGETHER: MuttShack Animal Rescue, on ground pre:Gustav to coordinate animal evacuation, enlists Kinship Circle to manage volunteers. MuttShack provides animal transport trucks and helps Parish Pickup Points (PPPs( before/during evacuations. Kinship Circle commends MuttShack for its professionalism and dedication to animals in disasters. Volunteers affiliated with Kinship Circle include: Cheri Deatsch, Kim Lea, Adrienne DeArmas, Kim Johnson, Robyn Urman, Teri Meier, Sandy Lynn, Kylie Shafferkoetter, Ghen Dennis, Sarah Rose, Lisa Roussel, Traci Dawson, June Towler, Joanne Greene, Debby Osburn, Jim York, Kristy McShan, Sandi Corrado, Jeanne Develle… This list is by no means inclusive. We are grateful to all who committed their time and energy!

► LOUISIANA STATE ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM: LSART is an organization of groups and individuals with an interest in animal well-being related to emergencies or disasters. This includes governmental agencies, veterinarians, animal control officers, humane organizations, and citizen volunteers. LSART works as a volunteer partner with guidance from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) in Louisiana's emergency planning structure.


BACK TO TOP - FIELD NOTES LIST AUGUST 2008
Evacuating Pups, Parrots, Kitties, Snakes, Bunnies…




NEVER AGAIN — BANDING PEOPLE & THEIR ANIMALS TOGETHER
At each Parish Pickup Point, animals are tagged with numbered bands to match wristbands worn by their people. After detailed paperwork, evacuees board buses with under 15 pounds on laps. (Confession: We let as many little guys ride laptop as possible). Large animals travel in airline carriers on climate-controlled trucks. Animals and people go to a "Mega Shelter" in Shreveport, Louisiana.

ID code written on each animal and family member's snap band:
1. First/last initial of animals' primary caretaker +
2. Driver's license number (number on evacuee's wristband) +
3. Starting with "A," each animal gets a letter at end of ID


A GREEN STICKER INDICATES SPECIAL-NEEDS ANIMAL CAREGIVER, such as an evacuee unable to accompany her animals to Shreveport shelter. A RED STICKER MEANS AGGRESSIVE ANIMAL. Stickers are affixed to all paperwork and the animal's crate. Some animals are so scared, they nip and snarl. One very frightened dog bit Kinship Circle's Cheri Deatsch as she tried to load him in a travel crate.

FIRST RESPONDERS EVACUATE THEIR OWN ANIMALS WHILE ON-CALL FOR GUSTAV. This burly police officer registers his cuddly Shitzu and bunny rabbit Teddy. We also register an iguana, several birds and some residents with eight or more cat — who mostly travel on laps or burrowed deep within carriers…so no cat photos! Kinship Circle's Brenda Shoss, Cheri Deatsch, Kim Lea, and Grady Ballard assist evacuees with animals — working alongside LSU students, EARS, ARNO, LSPCA, Humane Society of Missouri. While closing operations, HSUS arrives with a camera crew to get footage. Over a two and a half day evacuation, some residents share stories of past animals lost to Katrina. They recall officials who refused to let them board buses or helicopters with animal family members. Many of Katrina's left-behind animals were never reunited with their families. And many died. HOUR-54: Parish pickup points open. Volunteers report for duty. HOUR-30: Contra-flow begins. Police control flow of traffic out of city only. Only credentialed responders can enter. HOUR-12: All volunteers evacuate. Can load animals up till H-12. (c) Kinship Circle, Gustav/Ike 2008

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2008
An Empty City On The Eve Of A Hurricane

No Pets Left Behind in New Orleans Evacuation, Reuters, 8/31/08

Kinship Circle's Brenda Shoss, Cheri Deatsch and Kim Lea registered Rosemarie Jarreau and her son Devontay Jenkins. They barely caught the last Amtrac train to leave New Orleans Union Station, en route to Memphis, TN for mandatory Gustav evacuations. We were closing operations when they showed up with 11 puppies!

► 5:00PM ON SUNDAY, 8/31/08: With Gustav imminent, we register stragglers. Rosemarie Jarreau's family arrives late with 10 dogs (Was it 11? Many in Louisiana don't spay/neuter animals) to band and register. A final Amtrac train stalls for them at Union Station, as Brenda Shoss, Cheri Deatsch and Kim Lea of Kinship Circle work with LSPCA staff to get this family on board.

BOURBON STREET: New Orleans empties — except for press, cops, military, hurricane diehards and animal rescuers. A weird stillness hangs in the air. These photos show a CNN crew in the French Quarter. "Where is Anderson?" we ask. "Don't know," one responds, "but if you see him, can you tell him where we are?" It is quite strange to inhabit an evacuated city. You can walk down the center of normally congested streets. Park anywhere. Silence hangs like fog. National Guard, police and global press crews are everywhere. Those left in the city share fear, urgency and anticipation. Our French Quarter hotel is empty, other than a few animal rescuers and media teams. NOLA-style stragglers are in bars and restaurants. With Gustav only hours away, skies go gray and winds gather speed. Photos (c) Kinship Circle, Hurricanes Gustav/Ike 2008

► GUSTAV MAKES LANDFALL AS A GRADE 3 HURRICANE ON SEPTEMBER 1 , 2008: Water tops Industrial and 17th Street Canals, seeping into the Lower and Upper 9th Wards. Gustav's second band creeps in and officials worry that water topping or breeches at the Industrial Canal could flood the Lower 9th Ward, as happened during Katrina.

► 9/1/08, 12:00PM: Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore announces water is receding on the West Bank at the gates of Harvey Canal, south of New Orleans. This marks a turning point for a potential surge, similar to one that breached canal systems during Katrina. The canal system and Lake Ponchatrain appear to hold steady. But people must now prepare for a blackout in New Orleans and southeastern areas such as Houma, New Iberia, Morgan City… Baton Rouge is expected to go dark next.

► 9/1/08, 12:30PM: Officials await Gustav's second band, which contains the eye of the hurricane. The Industrial Canal, filled to maximum capacity, continues to overtop. Two large Navy ships and one barge escape their bearings and drift haphazardly. If they smash into canal walls, they can breech levees (as happened during Katrina). Gustav's center is 7 to 8 miles south of Morgan City. The Braith Waite Canal in lower Plaquemines Parish breeches. Officials call for emergency evacuation of anyone still there. Waveland and Bay St. Louis, in Mississippi, report 10 feet of extra water.

► 9/2/08, 8:00AM: Gustav lifts and New Orleans breathes a collective sigh of relief. Levees hold and sunshine revisits the Crescent City. Southeastern Louisiana, however, takes the brunt of Gustav's damage. Flood watches remain in effect there.


BACK TO TOP - FIELD NOTES LIST SEPTEMBER 2008
No Animals Left Behind?

Photo (c) Kinship Circle, Gustav/Ike 2008


THERE ARE ALWAYS GAPS IN A FIRST-TIME SYSTEM…
Gustav made landfall as a grade 3 hurricane on Monday, 9/1/08. Are animals left behind this time? While we don't see the hundreds of thousands of animals who suffered after Katrina, phone calls flow in about animals confined in homes, tethered in yards, or roaming. A week after evacuations in harder-hit southeastern Louisiana animals are seen hungry, wandering…some dead. What went wrong?

It seems there was a communication discrepancy between Parish Emergency Planners and citizens within their communities. At Parish Pickup Points, only volunteers registering animals asked: "Did you leave any animals behind?" It was suggested that volunteers ask all evacuees this question, regardless of whether they had animals with them.

Finally, very complex animal evac instructions may have overwhelmed some. Animal guardians were told to bring carriers and vaccinated animals with veterinary papers. In fact, animals were placed in donated cardboard carriers or mesh "pet purses" to sit atop laps on buses. Larger animals traveled inside airline carriers. If some issues had been better clarified, more evacuees might have shown up with animals.


BACK TO TOP - FIELD NOTES LIST SEP 2008 - CONTACT ARNO DIRECTLY! WE ARE NOT MANAGING THIS EFFORT.
ARNO Needs Help At Gustav Damaged Shelter

► ANIMAL RESCUE NEW ORLEANS NEEDS SHELTER VOLUNTEERS TO:

• Supplement our shelter staff for animal care and cleaning.
• Set-up and care for evacuated dogs who'll return from Shreveport shelter.
• Just show up at 271 Plauche Street if you can help!
  Animal Rescue New Orleans
  271 Plauche Street / Jefferson, Louisiana 70123
  Cross street: Edwards (off of Jefferson Highway)
  ARNO main line: 504-571-1900 (unknown if currently operational)
  ARNO Shelter Director/Rescue Coordinator- 504-913-2328
  
  Take I-10 East to Clearview.
  Go south on Clearview. Travel awhile. Make a right on to Jefferson Highway, West. (This turn is past Airline Highway 61. You'll see a McDonalds with blown-out sign).
  From Jefferson, turn right on to Edwards.
  Take the second left on to Plauche Street, not Court.
  Follow Plauche around. We are halfway up on the left side, 271.
  Orange sign on front door: Animal Rescue New Orleans

► ESTIMATED DAMAGES ARE $15,000 to $25,000 FOR:

• Rear outside kennel (perimeter fencing, $5k tent shredded, propane heaters bent like pretzels, etc.)
• TNR/isolation/cleaning area (shredded tent, torn perimeter fencing, twisted shelving)
• Cat breezeway area (enclosed ends destroyed, along with cooling fans)
• Two freezers died on us

ANIMAL RESCUE NEW ORLEANS AFTER GUSTAV
We are safe — but no electricity and cell phone networks work intermittently. We do have water and hope to have power soon. All animals were evacuated pre-storm. Feline residents are sheltered in Folsom and canine citizens in Shreveport, Louisiana. On Saturday 8/30/08 ARNO assisted Louisiana SPCA with the first-ever pet/people evacuation of Orleans Parish. Despite long hours that began at 5:00am and minimal volunteers, pets and their people left together this time. More than 18,000 people boarded buses along with approximately 5,000 pets. No animal was turned away. A big thank you to all who helped.


BACK TO TOP - FIELD NOTES LIST SEPTEMBER 4 2008
Help Water/Wind Wrecked Denham Springs Shelter

KINSHIP CIRCLE SEEKS 20 VOLUNTEERS FOR DENHAM SPRINGS, LA
Gustav flooding partially destroyed Denham Springs Animal Shelter. Waters are still rising. Approved volunteers work under MOU from shelter director, Maurice Dervin.

• At least 150 dogs and 250 cats need prompt evacuation.
• The shelter requires clean-up, debris removal, rebuilding.
• Emergency animal caregivers needed in Denham Springs right away.
  Some animals may still be stranded by floodwaters.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO DEPLOY QUICKLY!
Clean cages, walk dogs, comfort animals
Shelter restoration
Construction experience
Debris removal
Securing property
Animal Transport
Standby volunteers for Hurricane Ike

TO VOLUNTEER, SEND REQUESTED INFO TO KINSHIP CIRCLE CONTACTS

1. Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle: disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org
   ~ OR ~ Terri Kelley, Kinship Circle: pawsitivedirections@yahoo.com
   
   • YOUR FULL NAME:
   • EMAIL ADDRESS:
   • PHONE NUMBERS:
   • FULL MAILING ADDRESS:
   • DRIVER'S LICENSE ID#:
   • TYPE IN SUBJECT LINE: Denham-Ike Volunteer


2. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AS A KINSHIP CIRCLE DISASTER VOLUNTEER
   We cannot send volunteers unless we have your form on file.

► SUPPLIES NEEDED 5-in-1 vaccines for cats Bordetella vaccines Feline leukemia vaccines 5-in-1 for dogs Flagyl for diahrrea Albon for coccidia Revolution or Frontline 100 large crates Air-float tarps, 10 x 10 Bowls, collars Duck (Flat-Bottom) Boat Mosquito repellant D batteries Generators, fuel, fans Ponchos, rubber boots Building supplies, lumber SHIP SUPPLIES TO: Denham Springs Animal Shelter 600 Bowman Street Denham Springs, LA 70726

► MONETARY DONATIONS DONATE ONLINE TO MUTTSHACK DONATE ONLINE TO KINSHIP CIRCLE ► GROUND CONTACT Mary Karr, MuttShack, 206-947-3374 Denham Springs Animal Shelter 600 Bowman Street Denham Springs, LA 70726 ALL RESPONDER LEVELS ARE WELCOME! Search and Rescue Emergency Sheltering & Medical Aid Animal Care (walk, feed, groom, clean) Animal Transport Photography/Video Coordinating (phone, research, report) Computer Skills, Word, Excel, GIS/mapping Supplies Procurement, Inventory, Warehouse

KINSHIP CIRCLE DISASTER ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM
We are enlisted to coordinate volunteers for Gustav/Ike animal aid. DONATIONS help cover our nationwide communication/rescue efforts. Kinship Circle is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

BACK TO TOP - FIELD NOTES LIST SEPTEMBER 6 2008
Harder Hit Southeast Louisiana Asks For Help



VOLUNTEERS, FOOD AND FUNDING NEEDED FOR LEFT-BEHIND ANIMALS
REPLY TO: Wendy Guidry, 985-373-5937, mrjames1@earthlink.net

► SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UPDATE: Orleans and Jefferson Parishes (New Orleans and Metaire) — Gustav mostly spared New Orleans and Jefferson Parish, where local and national animal agencies assisted in pre/post-hurricane animal aid. Lower Parishes Terrebonne (Houma), St. Mary (Morgan City), Lafourche — As of 9/5, Terrebonne does not want outsiders to feed/rescue animals and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Dept. has even issued an arrest threat. St. Mary Parish, however, wants additional aid. Lafourche Parish is contained, with most residents back and few animals in distress. Floodwaters are not the problem this time. Displaced dogs and cats are. They need food and water.

TOP PHOTO: Volunteers feed starving cats in post-Gustav Houma, LA. LEFT PHOTO: A critically injured pit bull in SE Louisiana. RIGHT PHOTO: A kitten found roaming cannot bear weight on her broken back leg. Photos courtesy of Wendy Guidry, Feral Cat Consortium

► VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA
LSART managers seem unable to assess storm impact within their own parishes four days after Gustav. Residents were gone and most left animals behind. The system broke down when authorities themselves evacuated, with no electricity, internet. Media attention may correct the fallacy that all animals evacuated safely with no emergencies in southeastern Louisiana. We need drivers and a place willing to accept a small number of dogs. People are also needed to coordinate cat/dog food donations and comb streets.

► GROUND CONTACTS & WHERE TO GO

• Wendy Guidry, Feral Cat Consortium: mrjames1@earthlink.net, 985-373-5937
• LODGING: Volunteers can stay at Wendy Guidry's residence.
  4 Summerhaven Court
  Madisonville, LA 70447
• DIRECTIONS: Contact Wendy Guidry, mrjames1@earthlink.net or 985-373-5937
  Gail Sheffield, cgshef@bellsouth.net or 985-893-0016

► CRITICAL SUPPLY NEEDS Cat food, large or small quantities Dog food, preferably dry SHIP TO: Feral Cat Consortium/TRANS 4 Summerhaven Court Madisonville, LA 70447 Animals displaced in Gustav evacuations need food and water. Many returning residents would feed cats if food were donated. Feral Cat Consortium (Division of TRANS-Team Reducing ANimal Neglect & Suffering, 501c3)

► MONETARY DONATIONS Help reimburse volunteers for gas, pet food + $2100 spent to buy crates we donated to St. Mary's Parish Sheriff Dept. BY MAIL: Feral Cat Consortium 4 Summerhaven Court / Madisonville, LA 70447 ONLINE: Make a PayPal account donation via Paypay. Then click on payment. Then go to email address feralcatsla@gmail.com

BACK TO TOP - FIELD NOTES LIST SEPTEMBER 7 2008
Hurricane Ike Near, Kinship Circle Calls For Aid…



► HELP STILL NEEDED IN DENHAM SPRINGS, LA + HURRICANE IKE AID: Volunteers are needed in Denham Springs, where the situation here remains dire. At least 40 cats have been transported to a no-kill shelter in Arkansas. Hurricane Ike is predicted to make landfall as early as Saturday, which means people/animal evacuations may begin Thursday of next week.

TO VOLUNTEER, SEND REQUESTED INFO TO KINSHIP CIRCLE CONTACTS

1. Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle: disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org
   ~ OR ~ Terri Kelley, Kinship Circle: pawsitivedirections@yahoo.com
   
   • YOUR FULL NAME:
   • EMAIL ADDRESS:
   • PHONE NUMBERS:
   • FULL MAILING ADDRESS:
   • DRIVER'S LICENSE ID#:
   • TYPE IN SUBJECT LINE: Denham-Ike Volunteer


2. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AS A KINSHIP CIRCLE DISASTER VOLUNTEER
   We cannot send volunteers unless we have your form on file.

VOLUNTEERS REPORT TO: Mary Karr, MuttShack, 206-947-3374 Denham Springs Animal Shelter 600 Bowman Street / Denham Springs, LA 70726 DIRECTIONS FROM I-10 IN BATON ROUGE Head east on Exit 159 0.6 mi Merge onto I-12 E 9.2 mi Take exit 10-LA, 3002 N to Denham Springs Turn left at LA-3002 N/S Range Ave 1.9 mi Turn left at Julia St 0.3 mi Turn right at LA-1032 0.2 mi Turn left at Bowman St 7 ft

CITYHALL VOLUNTEER LODGING: Indoor meeting room to sleep; Bathroom; Use of showers at nearby truck-stop in Hammond, LA. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED IMMEDIATELY! Clean cages, walk dogs, comfort animals Shelter restoration Construction experience Debris removal Securing property Animal Transport Standby volunteers for Hurricane Ike

Kinship Circle's June Towler and Traci Dawson, with Randy of MuttShack Rescue, plan next-day activities at badly damaged Denham Springs Animal Shelter in Louisiana. Photo courtesy of Mary Karr, MuttShack Animal Rescue

► PERSONAL GEAR SUGGESTIONS Air mattress and/or sleeping bag Mosquito repellant Sunscreen, hand sanitizer Flashlight, D batteries Fans Ponchos, rubber boots Sturdy, waterproof work boots/shoes Change of shoes, extra socks Thick bite-proof work gloves Protective eyewear, sunglasses Belt to hang supplies Toilet paper Water, Gateraid Cash, personal care items, meds ► MONETARY DONATIONS DONATE ONLINE TO MUTTSHACK DONATE ONLINE TO KINSHIP CIRCLE

► SUPPLY NEEDS: ANIMALS 5-in-1 vaccines for cats Bordetella vaccines Feline leukemia vaccines 5-in-1 for dogs Flagyl for diahrrea Albon for coccidia Revolution or Frontline 100 large crates, bowls, collars Air-float tarps, 10 x 10 Duck (Flat-Bottom) Boat Mosquito repellant, D batteries Generators, fuel, fans Ponchos, rubber boots Building supplies, lumber SHIP SUPPLIES TO: Denham Springs Animal Shelter 600 Bowman Street Denham Springs, LA 70726

BACK TO TOP - FIELD NOTES LIST SEPTEMBER 22 2008
S.O.S. From Texas, Animals In Aftermath Of Ike

After Hurricane Ike, a national animal organization reportedly undermined the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) a smaller group had formed with local authorities to work in Beaumont, Texas. Such alleged hostility makes it difficult to obtain a realistic snapshot of the animal situation in Ike ravaged areas. There is concern about the amount of time and resources some large groups devote to removing other emergency rescue groups. Below are observations from sources in Texas after Ike.


TEXAN TALK ABOUT WHERE ANIMALS NEED HELP
From Kinship Circle member Kathy Landry — I live in Kemah, TX on Galveston Bay. My foster animals and I are OK, but no electricity. A neighbor has offered some hook up to his generator, so just got computer/TV access. Here is what I think about specific areas where most animals have been left behind.

► BOLIVAR PENINSULA, ESPECIALLY CRYSTAL BEACH: This area took a 20-foot storm surge. When the island started to flood 12 hours before Ike even arrived, the coast guard tried to evac people and pets. An hour later TV said weather grew too dangerous for coast guard to proceed. They had to leave many people and animals. There may be numerous animals injured in houses or on streets. I don't know how SPCA alone could handle the magnitude of animal rescue in this huge Houston/Galveston area.

9/20/08: Best Friends Animal Society's Rapid Response Team, along with Galveston County Animal Control, gained access to Bolivar Peninsula, severely ravaged by Hurricane Ike, to conduct search and rescue for animals.

► GALVESTON ISLAND & CITY OF GALVESTON: Large areas submerged, devastation of island. Heard reporter talk about a woman who left 2 dogs in house, where homes took on 10 feet of water. Reporters went in, dogs alive and OK, one on top of refrigerator. They fed and watered, put in backyard and called SPCA. There are many strays in Galveston, along with financially strapped elderly with animals. Local officials bussed many out with pets, but still animals left behind. Many horses, cows on the island.

► ON GALVESTON BAY: Completely flooded. There are many feral cats, plus outdoor cats whom shop owners feed. I live 8 blocks from Seabrook, but not allowed in. Roads blocked, water just went down.

► KEMAH (across bridge from Seabrook): Many outdoor feral or semi-feral cats at restaurants and shops. Very flooded area. No one allowed in, roads blocked.

► BACLIFF (5-10 miles south of Kemah) ON GALVESTON BAY: Coastal area known for animal neglect and abuse. Chained dogs, animals loose and confined in homes.

► LA PORTE (north of Seabrook): Wind damage, but not as much storm surge. Many strays, abandoned animals pre-hurricane. Kill shelter is always overfilled. SOURCE: Kathy Landry, 281-535-1009


LOCATE LOST ANIMALS & REPORT FOUND ANIMALS

Houston Spca Operation Save-A-Life: Seeking people to foster Galveston, Bolivar, and Coastal animals for 10 days. Also, bring in injured wildlife: Houston SPCA 900 Portway Drive Houston, TX 77024 Harris County Animal Shelter: Also has many animals lost in the storm. To help, call 281-999-3191 or check their website. EMERGENCY INFORMATION SPCA Lost & Found Pet Hotline: 713-861-0161 SPCA Rescue: 877-661-0161 or 713-435-2990 Emergency Animal Shelters For Lost Animals: 1st United Methodist Church of Humble 800 Main Street Humble, Texas 77338 Lamb of God Lutheran Church 1400 FM 1960 East Bypass Humble, Texas 77338 Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) caring for wildlife and pets, Lost & Found Pets

Rescue Bank & Food Source For Animals: Houston food bank for animal rescue and adoption groups has started a shelter restoration fund to help member groups recover from Hurricane Ike. Rescue bank is a cooperative group of more than 45 Houston-Galveston area nonprofit shelter and foster organizations. Created in response to Hurricane Katrina, has collected and distributed more than a quarter million pounds of pet food and supplies over the last two years. TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS can be made at any Washington Mutual branch by specifying rescue bank to the teller. ONLINE DONATIONS. Special Pals Animal Shelter: Has taken in animals from Kemah, Galveston and Bay Area shelters. Special Pals houses about 70 animals and currently has 200. Special Pals needs: Donations Volunteers: 8:00am feedings, other assistance. Supplies: bleach, dry dog food, cat litter, water 281-579-7387 3830 Greenhouse Road Houston, TX 77084 Galveston Island Humane Society: donate Houston SPCA: donate

SOURCE: Shirley Wilkes-Johnson, 800-864-3501, Vegan World Radio


CAUGHT ON CAMERA IN GALVESTON ISLAND
Submitted by: Theodore R Endicott, Jr. MSG RET, Texas Independent Animal Rescuer, 9/16/08: I returned home from Galveston Island last night. I had self-deployed to assist my blind father who lives in Alvin, Texas, about 10 miles from Galveston. Early after the storm on Saturday I took my truck and trailer and headed into town to find the local authorities were conducting their own search and rescue operations for animals. They told me to head south on Hwy 6 to assist in Galveston if I could get onto the island.

Leaving local pets in good hands of residents, I headed south to Galveston Island. There I found the local EON and talked to the local police who directed me to the Houston SPCA and stated they were in charge of the rescue efforts for animals on the Island. How that was going to happen I never figured out. Because the Houston SPCA was already overwhelmed as I understood it. Anyway I traveled about the Island feeding dogs and cats until I ran out of food. I should note that everywhere I went local people and lower officials commented on how great it was that someone was doing something so quick for the animals. One official stated, "About time someone got here to help the animals."

I made a trip to the local Humane Society to find the building destroyed and no one nearby. As curfew fell and without communications, I chose to leave the Island. I returned to Santa Fe and made arrangements for strays I still had at my temporary shelter. The devastation is so great that not even the HSUS, ASPCA, or any one organization bearing all its assets could handle rescue and care of animals affected by Ike. If you're headed to southeast Texas to help, be prepared to operate solely on your own with permission from local mayors and police. Expect no help from FEMA or Texas State officials.


COWS CLING TO LIFE IN TEXAS
Some 4,000 cows have already been killed by Ike. More than 20,000 cows and hundreds of horses are dying from eating and drinking salt-contaminated grass and water. Some groups have left hay and water for the cows. Elizabeth Asher with Rescue Bank knows where most stranded cows are located. The group has a fund drive to help cows, horses. Texas Agriculture Department set up Operation No Fences (877-429-1998) to provide relief for horses and cows.


BACK TO TOP - FIELD NOTES LIST SEPTEMBER 26 2008
Convoy To Aid Horses And Cows After Ike

During Katrina, saltwater saturated pastures and left grazing animals without food. Ditto for Ike. Cows are stranded on levees. Help is urgently needed. Hopeful Haven Equine Rescue, After Ike In Louisiana


JOIN THE HOPEFUL HAVEN EQUINE CONVOY TO DELIVER SUPPLIES

• WHEN: 9/26/08, Friday, 4:00pm
• WHERE: Meet in Carencro, Louisiana at Omni Energy Parking Lot
  4500 NE Evangeline Trwy / Carencro, LA 70520
  Between Exits 5 and 7 on the Frontage road off I-49.
• NEXT CONVOY: Convoy will meet again next week, date to be announced

► TO JOIN CONVOYS Contact Debra Barlow: hopefulhaven@yahoo.com 318-797-7464, cell: 318-286-3116 VOLUNTEERS: Let Debra know in advance if you'll join convoy. Bring sleeping bags. ► SUPPLIES NEEDED Lead Ropes, Halters Buckets Vaccines All Horse and Cattle Supplies SHIP SUPPLIES, C/O DEBRA BARLOW: 315 Pecan Drive Shreveport, LA 71106

► UPDATE SINCE LAST HHERO CONVOY, 9/21/11: Debra Barlow writes — Thanks to many, we were blessed with enough money to help 37 families feed their animals in Erath, LA and help the Abbeville AG center with feed for 40 families. Please reach into your hearts to help us continue to aid these animals! They need fresh feed and hay. I'm working on 400 bales of hay that I can get at $8 a round bale 4X4 delivered to our distribution site. That is $3200. Please send in your donation today! ► FOR STRANDED HORSES & COWS DONATE ONLINE: www.hopefulhaven.com BY MAIL: Hopeful Haven 12193 Providence Road Shreveport, LA 71129

See Kinship Circle Disaster Animal Response Team in rescues around the world ▼

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