Pet Rescues!!! -- Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS)

[nicknameless]

This wonderful organization has a long history of rescuing animal victims of natural disasters. They're finally in the hardest-hit areas, and are conducting evacuations now!
http://www.uan.org/ears/action_report.html

Hurricane Katrina is now being considered the single largest natural disaster ever to hit the US. Shortages of food and water are still being reported, but authorities have mostly evacuated those people that they could get to in Louisiana and Mississippi. Animal disaster relief teams entered the hardest hit areas for the first time yesterday and evacuations of rescued animals are underway.

EARS continues to operate an animal shelter in Monroe, Louisiana, which is housing, among others, pets belonging to evacuees who are staying at a shelter nearby. Effective Saturday evening, EARS assumed the lead role at the pet friendly shelter in Jackson, Mississippi and more than a dozen EARS volunteers along with National Director Kay Mayfield have arrived to assist. The shelter is housing a combination of animals (dogs, cats, horses, others) belonging to evacuees at the nearby shelter and animals rescued from points south.

An update on UAN's partner, Code 3 Associates - the State of Louisiana asked to send Code 3's massive animal disaster response unit into Gonzalez, LA, the major staging area for animals rescued from the hardest hit areas. The truck left the EARS Monroe outpost yesterday afternoon bound for Gonzales.

UAN continues to coordinate response efforts with several other organizations providing animal disaster relief - including the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Colorado-based Code 3 Associates, the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Humane Association. Daily conference calls and in-field meetings are occurring between these organizations.

Please keep checking this Action Report for more details. If you are an EARS volunteer and have not yet informed us of your availability and skills, please do so now by clicking the appropriate link below in the "Contacts" section. We will be using information gathered through this process to mobilize volunteers and anticipate activating more volunteers imminently.

SHELTER INFORMATION:
We are maintaining a downloadable/printable list of all temporary animal shelters that we hear about in the affected areas. If you become aware of any shelters that are accepting animals, please forward the information to [e-mail]. Download the current information.

REPORTING LOST ANIMALS:
We are collecting rescue requests from evacuees and others who are unsure of the whereabouts of their animals. Those requests are daily being compiled with requests reported to other organizations with whom we are coordinating to form a master database. Once teams are deployed, these requests will be forwarded to those in the area who can perform rescue efforts. Submit an online form with necessary information.

PET LOSS SUPPORT HOTLINE:
We know that so many people are struggling to cope with the unknown status of their animals and ultimately mourning their deaths. If you or someone you know need to talk with someone, please call the Pet Loss Support Hotline run by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.The toll-free number is [phone] and there are people to answer the line everyday from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm PST. The school has added weekend shifts and will secure extra help over the next few weeks to staff the hotline, who will be instructed on dealing with victims of disasters. Another good pet loss support resource is the pet bereavement forum at iVillage.

They're asking for volunteers and specific supplies.

[roguevalley]

1. Thank Jesus. The innocents are being helped.

[nicknameless]

4. This organization is the best.

I looked on their site but couldn't find pics they used to have of their flood rescues. Would have liked to have posted those.
:hug:

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

2. Two of Yahoo's "Most E-Mailed Photos"...

Small survivor : US Airforce Lt. Nathan Brosheal holds a kitten rescued and airlifted to New Orleans International Airport in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana. (AFP/James Nielsen)

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/1756



US Airforce Lt. Nathan Brosheal holds a kitten rescued and airlifted to New Orleans International Airport in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana. The United States officially asked for emergency aid from the European Union and accepted assistance from the United Nations, as countries around the world pledged help for the hundreds of thousands left homeless by Hurricane Katrina.(AFP/James Nielsen)

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/050904/photos_pl_afp/050904221111_8kmxa8et_photo3

:patriot:

[nicknameless]

5. Great pics. If you find more pet rescue pics, please post them.

We need to some sense of hope that these loved ones are getting help too.

[leftchick]

3. thank god

:cry:

[Lorien]

6. Thanks for the link!

our rescue will be heading out there Sept 24th with supplies, and returning with as many animals as we can comfortably fit in our vans. Here's a link: www.petrescuebyjudy.com

[nicknameless]

33. Thank you for helping to rescue these precious critters.

:)

[Joanne98]

7. God bless them.

[nicknameless]

8. They've been conducting and helping with pet rescues since 1988

EARS 101 - Disaster Response History

EARS volunteers have been called out to aid animals in more than 55 disasters since 1988. Here's a look at the major disasters where EARS volunteers have rescued and cared for animal disaster victims.

2004
* Riverside Fire (CA)
* Humane Investigation (MT)
* Sage Fire (CA)
* Steven’s Fire (CA)
* Hurricane Charley (FL)

2003
* Midwest Tornadoes (MO )
* Kinishba Fire (AZ)
* Missoula Wildfires (MT)
* Hurricane Isabel (NC and VA)
* Southern California Wildfires (CA)

2002
* Iron Mountain Fire (CO)
* Texas Floods (TX)
* Rodeo Fire (AZ)

2001
* Terrorist Attack (NY)
* Hyampom Wild Land Fire (CA)
* Oregon Wild Land Fire (CA)
* West Virginia Flood (WV)
* Tropical Torm Allison (TX)
* Viejas Wild Land Fire (CA)

2000
* Bitterroot Valley Wild Land Fires (MT)

1999
* Oklahoma Tornadoes (OK)
* Hurricane Bret (TX)
* Hurricane Dennis (NC)
* Hurricane Floyd (NC)

1998
* North Carolina Flood (NC)
* Northern California Flood (CA)
* Florida Tornadoes (FL)
* Florida Wildfires (FL)
* Hurricane Bonnie (NC)
* Texas Floods (TX)
* Hurricane Georges (MS)

1997
* Northern California Flood (CA)
* Ohio/Kentucky Flood (OH and KY)
* Arkansas Tornadoes (AR)
* North Dakota Flood (ND)
* Poland Flood (??)

1996
* Hondo Fire (NM)
* Miller Reach Fire (AK)
* Hurricane Bertha (NC)
* Hurricane Fran (SC)

1995
* Sacramento Flood (CA)
* Earthquake (JAPAN)
* Monterey Flood (CA)
* Virginia Flood (VA)
* Hurricane Marilyn (FL)
* Hurricane Opal (FL)

1994
* Northridge Earthquake (CA)
* Georgia Flood (GA)
* Texas Flood (TX)

1988-1993 (as consultants)
* Midwest Flood (MO)
* Southern California Wildfires (CA)
* Hurricane Andrew (FL)
* Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (AK)
* Hurricane Hugo (SC)
* Yellowstone Fire (WY)
* Whale Rescue (AK)

[nicknameless]

9. These are the people who rescued Snowball!

Karen
UAN Program Director

Posted September 05, 2005 11:27 AM
We have confirmation from the State Veterinarian's office in Louisiana that Snowball, the little white terrier mix who was shown on many news broadcasts as he was not allowed to board the evacuee bus with his owner, is safe. He was immediately rescued and is in the hands of caring professionals. That's all the information we know, but we thought that the many people who were concerned about him would be happy to know that he is safe.

EARS is the best! -- They are the rescue division of UAN (United Animal Nations)

[txindy]

18. The problem with this is that Snowball is NOT a terrier mix

Not even close. He's a Bichon, a Maltese mix, or a poodle. Unless he had tags on or had been chipped, I don't see how the UAN and the State Vet's office could be certain it is Snowball. They would know enough not to call one of the breeds above a terrier mix, yet that's what they're claiming. I hope to God it is Snowball, though. I really do.

[LisaL]

19. Yes, Snowball is definitely not a terrier mix.

He looks like a poodle.

[nicknameless]

22. I feel pretty confident that it must be Snowball

because UAN confirmed it, and they've been doing these rescues for years.

[nicknameless]

10. self-delete

(dupe)

[nicknameless]

11. self-deleted (dupe)

[nicknameless]

12. self-deleted (dupe)

[nicknameless]

13. self-deleted (dupe) (Ahh, the joys of dial-up)

[nicknameless]

14. self-deleted (dupe)

[nicknameless]

15. self-deleted (dupe) ... Sorry for all the dupes (dial-up problem)

[leftchick]

16. Nominate this thread all you animal lovers!!

I did!

[nicknameless]

17. Thanks leftchick. EARS to the rescue again. They even saved Snowball!

:cry:

[VolcanoJen]

26. Ohhhhh Snowball!!!!!

He was rescued??? Are we sure?

Any progress in reuniting him with his sweet little owner???

Just when I thought my heart couldn't break any further, Snowball came along and smashed it into bits. :cry: :cry: :cry:

[donco6]

46. As a dog lover -

Snowball killed me. I just don't think I could do it. And I'm an adult! Think of the trauma to that poor kid.

[incapsulated]

20. I'm happy to hear they are on the scene..

I sent them money last week because of DU'ers recommendations. :)

[nicknameless]

21. These people are the best!

:)

[Lecky]

23. Great news!

and recommended!

[nicknameless]

24. Please, anyone finding pictures or stories of pets being saved,

please post them. We need to hear good news.

[MadeinOhio]

25. Don't tell me there is that many pets dying...

I can't believe the pet stories happening along side the human casualties, what kind of.....who is in charge?

Witt needs to run and get these pets and people out!

[nicknameless]

27. Another rescue:

Karen
UAN Program Director

Posted September 05, 2005 06:44 PM
Sent to UAN today...(and posted with permission)
-------------------------------------

I saw something so nice on TV, a woman was being made ready to go into a helicopter and she was clutching her German Shepherd - they had been through hell together and swam miles in that horrible water. She was so afraid they would not take her because of her big dog - but the solider said, why of course, come aboard with your best friend. Wasn't that sweet?

In deep respect for your efforts
-Susana

[Piperay]

28. So glad

the animals are being rescued.

[6000eliot]

29. I'm so glad!

Seeing those hungry dogs on CNN really breaks my heart.

[nicknameless]

30. More advice from UAN/EARS:

"We are making contact with all the emergency management and animal sheltering officials in Katrina's expected path," reports EARS Southeast Regional Director Raquel Aluisy, who is coordinating EARS efforts in the area. "We are expecting this storm may require a massive effort to assist displaced animals. Those evacuating are strongly urged to take their animals with them."

Families should make every effort to bring animals with them when evacuating. Most hotels and motels are pet-friendly and even those who might not normally accept pets make exceptions during disasters. Evacuees are encouraged to check http://www.PetsWelcome.com for a comprehensive listing of pet-friendly accommodations. While Red Cross shelters do not allow pets, if evacuating to a shelter, pets are safer in cars at the shelter than they are at home.

"Because of the nature of these disasters, it may be impossible for evacuees to safely return home for several days," said UAN president Jennifer Fearing. "Beyond the trauma animals may be subject to during the disaster, most animals cannot survive on their own for up to a week. All efforts should be taken to bring animals along with the family."

In the worst-case scenario, if families decide to leave your animals at home, they should:

* leave companion animals inside with access to the kitchen, hallways and bathrooms;
* close off doors to your more cluttered rooms (the ones with the best hiding places);
* provide plenty of food and water; and
* secure a sign to your front door with the word "PETS" written in large letters. On the sign, also write the type and number of animals inside to aid rescuers.

EARS, the disaster rescue program of United Animal Nations, is a nationwide network of more than 2,300 trained volunteers dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals during disasters. Dozens of trained EARS volunteers will be mobilized to assist with Hurricane Katrina efforts, with several prepared to fly or drive during the night to get to the area in time to help. During the past fifteen years, EARS volunteers have helped thousands of animal disaster victims including more than 400 animals during last summer's devastating string of hurricanes in Florida.

[nicknameless]

31. EARS first LA rescue: 175 pets from Metairie animal hospital

SACRAMENTO, CA (August 31, 2005) – United Animal Nations (UAN) is sending leaders with its Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) into Louisiana to assist with the evacuation of a reported 175 animals at a Metairie animal hospital. The State of Louisiana Office of Emergency Services has given Sacramento, California-based UAN permission to enter the state and assist with animal disaster relief and rescue efforts.

“Our phones are ringing off the hook with calls from frantic evacuees who can’t get back to their animals,” said UAN president Jennifer Fearing. “We don’t know what we’ll see when we get there, but we’re hopeful that our presence will lead to further animal rescue efforts in the hurricane-ravaged area.”

On Monday, UAN put its nationwide network of 2,300 trained EARS volunteers on alert for a potential response to Hurricane Katrina. Since then, nearly 650 people from all 50 U.S. states have reported their willingness to respond as needed. These volunteers include skilled search and rescue personnel, veterinary technicians, veterinarians and animal shelter directors. Additionally, UAN has been flooded with offers of land in the area to serve as a staging area, air, water and land transportation, horse trailers, mobile veterinary clinics and a virtual fleet of trucks and RVs.

Supporting UAN’s efforts will be Colorado-based Code 3 Associates, whose base of operations is its Mobile Command Vehicle, a massive, self-sufficient disaster-relief tractor and trailer unit that is leaving imminently for Louisiana. The Code 3 vehicle is being sponsored by IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare -- www.ifaw.org), which is sending its international Emergency Relief Team to join Code 3 and UAN on the ground in Metairie.

[nicknameless]

32. Refusing to Leave Them Behind, Evacuees Smuggled Their Pets Out With Them

http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/recent_activities_and_information/refusing_to_leave_them_behind_evacuees_smuggled_their_pets_out_with_them.html

This article is from HSUS:

Black Bag Operation

Moret Williams and Sebastian left New Orleans together. Sebastian floated on an air mattress at his owner’s side as Moret Williams waded through polluted, neck-deep floodwater, pulling the mattress along with him. Man and beast managed to reach an elevated portion of Interstate 10, but the helicopters that were taking evacuees to buses weren’t allowing pets on board.

“There was no way I was leaving without him,” Moret Williams says, and so he did what so many have had to do in the past week: He improvised. He put Sebastian in a large black trash bag and begged him not to make noise.

Amazingly, the dog obeyed, though he did squirm at one point—a point that could have ruined the whole plan. “He bumped against the pilot,” Moret Williams says, a small smile creeping onto his face. “The pilot just goes, ‘I didn’t see nothing.’ ”

<snip>

Moret Williams is not alone in the extraordinary measures he took to keep his beloved pet safe. The Houston SPCA is full of pets of evacuees, and Jim Boller, director of shelter and field services for the organization, estimates that only half a dozen out of hundreds actually came "legally," meaning properly leashed or in crates. While a few of the bus drivers relented on the “no pets” rule—the adult great Dane being held at the shelter “probably drove the bus,” HSPCA volunteer Steve Rundell jokes—the majority of the animals who’ve arrived with the victims were stowaways, brought out of the city by hook or by crook by owners unwilling to leave them behind. The two ferrets arrived in the oversized pockets of a young girl. A parakeet was concealed in a makeup case. Chihuahuas and kittens came in women’s purses.

<snip>

Thanks to expatriot's beautiful OP: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4657120&mesg_id=4657120

[donco6]

34. We have odd biases against animals here.

In Europe you see people with pets everywhere - stores, malls, restaurants - no problem. Here it's anathema. It's very odd.

I couldn't leave my pets to die - I just couldn't.

[spooky3]

35. I don't get why it's considered eccentric to refuse to abandon living

feeling beings, and considered normal to treat them as disposable property, forcing them to suffer and die.

This country has a long way to go towards enlightenment.

[Mairead]

39. I think it's part of Capitalism, really. Capitalism promotes

loving property and wealth, and using people.

[donco6]

47. It's simply less than human.

To leave a poor animal to starve or dehydrate on some rooftop somewhere. It's indefensible.

[Skittles]

51. I wouldn't leave my cat

he'd come with me, period

[leftchick]

36. Thank God there are so many wonderful hearts

:cry: It makes me feel so much better.

I saw a puppy scrounging for food in NO this AM. He looked like a little yellow lab about 4 months old at the most. God I hope someone saves him. Every abandoned animal I have seen is haunting me.

[LostinVA]

38. I've literally not been able to sleep well and have been depressed

about this... knowing Snowball is saved helps. That video destroyed me... that poor dog running to the bus door.... Jesus. I feel better today. I am, however, annoying my kitties, because I keep hugging them and kissing them. It's cutting into their valuable deer watching and 12-hour nap time.

[nicknameless]

41. Hahaha!

My cat too, gets pretty fed up with all of the hugs and kisses when I read or see anything about the suffering of other animals.
Her reaction seems roughly translated as: "Geeze, what'd ya read this time?"

[leftchick]

45. I have four kitties being spoiled rotten

My poor Ming who sleeps with me has been hugged and kissed like never before. I also am getting a lot of hair in my mouth! But I don't mind one bit.

:loveya: LiVA

[Cattledog]

37. Just donated!

Kick

[nashville_brook]

40. thank you so much for posting this! and MORE INFO:

this came on my greyhound list this morning:

Transport Provided to Anywhere - Room Desperately Needed for the
Animal Victims of Katrina

There is transportation provided, with people ready and waiting, for
upwards of 200 dogs and 150 cats so far rescued from the devastation
of hurricane Katrina. What these animals need is a place to go.
Kennels, boarding, vets offices, shelters with any extra space,
foster homes and rescues. Even one or two open kennels would greatly
help.

From what we know, all animals have been vaccinated and are in good
health considering the conditions. There are dogs and cats of every
breed and size.
Some are in groups of two, three or four, hailing from the same
family, while some are solitary. ANY KENNEL SPACE AVAILABLE CAN
CERTAINLY BE USED.
These drivers are willing to move these animals ANYWHERE they need
to go. Absolutely anywhere.

The current safe houses for these animals are being inundated and
some of these pets will have to be euthanized if they are not moved
to make room for the incoming animals.

Please feel free to pass on this information everywhere. Every
forum, every list, every community.

REMEMBER THESE ANIMALS WILL BE TRANSPORTED TO YOU.

If you know anyone, anywhere, that is willing to take in even one
cat or dog please have them contact Lynda at the information
provided below.

They are also asking for ANY kind of donations for the animals -
money, food, bedding, water, etc.

Please Contact Lynda V. at: 203 515 3024 (cell)
Home: 203 227 5308
Email: [e-mail]
Please contact at any time, day or night. These volunteers, rescuers
and shelter workers are working around the clock.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated" Gandhi

[nicknameless]

42. EARS Update, 9/6/05

EARS Update


EARS continues to operate an animal shelter in Monroe, Louisiana, which is housing, among others, pets belonging to evacuees who are staying at a shelter nearby. EARS Incident Commander in Monroe, Raquel Aluisy, reported that Monday was a "positive day." They have been getting to know evacuees from the nearby human shelter, who had begun hanging out at the animal shelter. When one person finds a place to live, they are coming by to say good-bye and pick up their pets. One such person hugged Raquel and told her, "you are an angel sent from god for me and my animals.” About eight animals went home, and about the same number came in.

Over the weekend, EARS assumed the lead role at the pet friendly shelter in Jackson, Mississippi (working with the Mississippi Animal Rescue League) and more than a dozen EARS volunteers along with National Director Kay Mayfield are assisting. Dr. Ann Lesch-Hollis, a Sacramento veterinarian, is part of the EARS contingent and has been treating all of the animals - including skin conditions, kennel cough and dehydration. Our team was happy to discover microchip identification in a number of the animals as well and worked to contact owners with good news. The shelter is housing a combination of animals (dogs, cats, horses, others) belonging to evacuees at the nearby shelter and animals rescued from points south. Both EARS shelters possess the capacity to hold hundreds more animals that may be evacuated from the southern areas.

An update on UAN's partner, Code 3 Associates: The State of Louisiana asked to send Code 3's massive animal disaster response unit south to a major staging area for animals rescued from the hardest hit areas. The truck left the EARS Monroe outpost Saturday afternoon along with the ASPCA's Cares mobile and the team was able to do some water rescues Monday. In coordination with state authorities and the Louisiana SPCA, the team attempted to rescue animals stranded at one of the local hospitals. Because of the tragic situation inside the hospital, local authorities would not allow the team inside. Sheriffs there gave them approximately a dozen dogs from the area.

And, as we reported on our message boards yesterday, the Louisiana State Veterinarian's office did tell us yesterday that Snowball, the little white dog who was seen on television last week being taken from a small boy boarding an evacuee bus, was rescued and is in the caring hands of professionals.

[The Stranger]

43. Kicked and recommended.

[MoonRiver]

44. I just gave $50.00

God bless the innocent animals. :cry:

[leftchick]

48. kick for the babies with no voice

:kick:

[flvegan]

49. I'm an EARS volunteer.

Last year, when hurricanes pounded the hell out of Florida, they set up a camp in Polk County. It was an awesome sight to behold. Very organized, very dedicated, very, very good at animal recovery.

UAN often holds workshops around the country to train folks to be responders in these situations. You can check it out here:
https://www.uan.org/secure/workshopregister.html

[nicknameless]

50. Thank you for doing this invaluable work

UAN/EARS people are angels for rescuing animals, reuniting them with their families, and providing for those who are homeless.
O8)

[leftchick]

52. This is what I don't understand....

Folks won't leave because of their pets. Why won't they let them take their pets and then leave them with the rescue groups to pick up in the future? Or does that make too much sense for the idiots in charge?


Thank you so much for your work. I have been having nightmares from the images of the abandoned animals of NO. :cry:

[Douglas Carpenter]

53. thanks for the link

[nicknameless]

54. EARS Update, 9/7/05

EARS continues to operate the pet-friendly shelter in Jackson, Mississippi in conjunction with the Mississippi Animal Rescue League. Twenty EARS volunteers, including EARS National Director Kay Mayfield, are caring for more than 150 animals (including dogs, cats, pigs and a reptile) belonging to evacuees at a nearby shelter and animals rescued from points south. On Tuesday, the shelter received 34 dogs from a coastal town who had reportedly survived a 30-foot storm surge. The animals had been foraging on garbage and were dirty, emaciated and tired. The EARS volunteer team decontaminated the dogs, fed them and gave them much-appreciated toys and treats. One volunteer gladly accepted the midnight shift to get some “quality time with the dogs.” Dr. Ann Lesch-Hollis, a Sacramento-based veterinarian, continues to treat the animals there for skin conditions, kennel cough and dehydration.

EARS is also operating an animal shelter in Monroe, Louisiana, which is housing, among others, pets belonging to evacuees who are staying at a shelter nearby. EARS Incident Commander in Monroe, Raquel Aluisy, reported that several animals have gone home with their owners and other animals continue to come in be admitted.She said the Bayou Kennel Club was helping by providing food for volunteers and other support. Both EARS shelters possess the capacity to hold hundreds more animals. AVIS, UAN's partner in nationwide community microchipping events, also shipped 2,000 microchips with lifetime registrations to the Louisiana State Veterinarian's office at our request.

Today was UAN partner Code 3’s first full day of water rescue operations in the New Orleans area. The water rescue team, led by Warren Craig with Code 3 Associates, went out today with their 15-foot Zodiac and 14-foot flat bottom boats along with the ASPCA team and their 12-foot Zodiac and the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s team of three Zodiacs. EARS’ partners at the Ramona-based Emergency Animal Rescue are also involved with a swift-water rescue team in the area. They are working from a 138-pagelist of rescue requests that have streamed into the Animal Evacuation and Recovery Command Center located at the Louisiana State Veterinarian’s office over the past week. Warren estimates it will be 7-10 days before they’ll be able to make real progress toward reducing the enormous number of stranded animals. He reported that the team rescued 29 cats and 14 dogs from homes in the flooded areas and says it is “slow going” and very, very hard work.

UAN continues to coordinate response efforts with several other organizations providing animal disaster relief - including the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Colorado-based Code 3 Associates, the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, the Louisiana SPCA, the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University and the American Humane Association. Daily conference calls and in-field meetings are occurring between these organizations. The animal rescue and shelter operation in Louisiana is coordinated by the Animal Evacuation and Recovery Command Center located in the Louisiana Department of Agriculture Building in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.