Hurricanes Can Be Rough on Animals Too

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
-Anatole France (1844-1924)

As a family who lives in South Florida, where the hurricane season provides all the roller coaster excitement and anxiety anyone can wish for between June 1 and November 30-- will it come here? if it doesn't come here, who else will it harm? -- we've learned from experience that dogs and cats and other animals often get the worst of it when a storm hits.

We all saw that in New Orleans. Shelters were overwhelmed, rescue folks were frantic, animals were lost or abandoned. That's how Just Harry came into our lives through some amazing serendipity and dedication on the part of JH's guardian posse, Lyn Townsend and her volunteers, after he was abandoned following Florida's brush with Katrina.

We've all been outraged to learn about the extent of dog fighting in this country -- and perhaps elsewhere. But we should also be outraged at the absence of provisions for animals in times of danger -- and the dreaded thought of euthanasia.

Watching Hurricane Dean plow through the Caribbean and perhaps take aim at Texas, I've been thinking about all the animals who will be in harm's way and who never kvetch or complain, but just accept what life throws at them.

In times of stretched budgets, and strained day-to-day rescue dollars, it's hard to think of additional financial resources. But local communities can be encouraged to commit to providing a safety network for animals in anticipation of the inevitable emergency --whether a hurricane or a tornado, a flood or an earthquake. Places that people can leave their pets in, if necessary. Communication networks to speed identification. Provisions to feed and care temporarily for those who have lost their families.

Just some thoughts while watching that "cone of uncertainty" and those red, yellow, and green whorls

Written by Mom, with Jake and Just Harry's permission