How ironic, pets and pet rescuers are rescuing HUMANS

[jilln]

Here's a story about a dog who saved a man from the flood:

http://kcal9.com/topstories/topstoriesla_story_252153652.html

There have been several stories of people who kept themselves sane by talking to their animals, only to have to leave them behind. Today I found 3 accounts from animal rescue groups who had rescued HUMANS that the human rescue teams had not found. One was a little girl and one was an old man.

I hope those of you who think that no animals should be saved until every single human is safe will rethink your position. Not only do the animals not have that attitude, but the rescuers that you think are people-haters or care more about animals than humans are also helping people, when people refused to help animals or their rescuers at the beginning. How ironic, I guess this gives a more complete picture of reality.

[AtomicKitten]

1. Save every creature.

They all matter.

[SmokingJacket]

2. I don't think they're mutually exclusive.

Even a big dog doesn't take up too much space on a boat, and I know many people love their pets like children. So even if you don't understand that (and I don't have pets myself, so I don't know if I do) you have to respect the fact that people DO feel that way.

[friesianrider]

5. Apparently many DUers do NOT respect that...

I wish all DUers felt as you did, SJ. Anytime anyone posts anything remotely related to the animals and pets affected by Katrina, it is only a matter of time before a few of the "PEOPLE FIRST!! PEOPLE FIRST!!" bunch start trying to make everyone feel like shit if they actually care about the pets or want the animals rescued and cared for. Also like you pointed out, a great many people consider their pets children and leaving behind their cat(s) or dog(s) would be like leaving a child...and often, the psychological damage from being forced to abandon a pet is the same as being forced to abandon a child. I am definitely in that bunch and I wish more people respected that - even if they disagree.

You're right: caring for people and animals are not mutually exclusive. In the United States in the year 2005, there is NO reason we cannot rescue people and their animals in good time and bring them to safety.

[Ladyhawk]

8. Thank you, SmokingJacket. There are some people who don't even

try to understand and that hurts us pet lovers very deeply.

[ribrepin]

3. Heartwarming story

Hope this dog is returned to her owners or finds a wonderful home.

There has to be a special place in heaven for animals like this. I almost cried at the thought of this dog still on guard duty when rescued.

[roguevalley]

4. They would have to shoot me before I would leave my dogs. It is

just the way it is. Animals in these stories kept the compact between man and dog. They kept the covenant. Too bad too many people are too low life to return the love.

[friesianrider]

7. Me too. I would have to physically be taken from them.

And even then I'd be trying to claw and fight my way to stay with my babies. I know my pets would save my life if they could and would not abandon me, so I would do the same for them. I would NEVER leave my babies to die or suffer or wander the streets. Ever.

[progressivebydesign]

11. I'm tearing up just thinking about that.. as they lie near me right now.NT

[Coventina]

6. The "save people first" crowd are just exposing themselves as insecure

That's the bottom line.

For some reason they feel that love and devotion toward animals threatens THEM somehow. Maybe they had traumatic childhoods or some other trauma that stunted them emotionally. But the bottom line is, they're insecure.

Well, I can love people and humans equally, and desire to save both equally. And believe that both deserve equal protection. So don't hang your emotional problems on me.

The more you love, the more love you get in return.

[friesianrider]

9. Well said.

I want all to be saved - humans and animals alike. They should ALL be important.

[Coventina]

12. Why thank you!

:-)

Have I told you lately that I love you?

:loveya:

Spreading love, one DUer at a time....

[progressivebydesign]

10. There are people qualified to specifically rescue animals!

And they should be allowed work simultaneously with those rescuing humans. It's not either/or. The animal rescuers can rescue animals, the human rescuers (with animals how ironic!) can rescue people. Why is that so hard for the govt to figure out in a NATION OF ANIMAL LOVERS????

I just don't know how I could leave my doggy babies behind!!

[friesianrider]

13. You're absolutely right!

They should be allowed to work simultaneously and also be able to communicate with each other ("hey animal rescue people, there's a dog on a house roof on 3rd street" or "hey NG, there's a family needing help near the city park."). No reason why the notion of rescuing people AND pets should be a far-fetched one. This is America...I think we can manage to save both.

[undergroundpanther]

14. No me without my CATS!

[preciousdove]

15. The more eyes and ears we have there the better, great news n/t

[shockra]

16. Yup, that's ironic.

Thanks for pointing it out.