[Heather V Long]

It's always horrifying to watch tragedy unfold. A number of my friends locally have all said it reminds them of 9/11, but they weren't ontop of 9/11 when it happened.

I can understand their assertions. I was. I lived in Northern Virginia at the time, less than 5 minutes from Dulles Airport. I had friends who worked at the Pentagon. My mother-in-law was scheduled to depart that afternoon on a flight with my sister-in-law and nephew. If the other two hadn't been with her, she could very well have been on one of those morning planes and in the air when it happened.

There's nothing so gut wrenching as seeing bleak destruction and the frustration and helplessness that flood up because of it. My heart goes out to the families that had to leave their pets behind or were forced to and to those that stayed because of them. If you have pets in your family, they are a part of your family. Be prepared in case of emergency for their safety, too.

We have notes on our windows in front and back notifying Emergency personnel of the animals housed there. God forbid a fire were to break out and we weren't home, those notices might save my animals' life. When something like an evacuation happens, many will say it's the people who go first and that makes sense.

But our pets and our animals depend on us and they cannot just be abandoned the vagaries of nature. I saw animals left in cages and tied to railings. Most disasters don't give a warning, so taking the time to consider 'what you would do' and 'what you could do' may save you and your pet the worry of what happens next.

Heather

[Right_Writer]

Heather, I like your information on having notes on windows alerting the authorities that you have pets. That's a great idea. I have two dogs and would be devastated if anything happened to my "girls". I'm so sad watching all of the people and animals displaced by Katrina and I can understand why people don't want to leave their pets. It's so heartbreaking. They've lost so much and now to leave their beloved animals.... I could just cry.

[irishgal63]

No matter where I lived, If someone had EVER tried to tell me
I had to leave my pet(s) behind---I would stay behind with
'my family'(pets) ---I have 2 small dogs(20 lbs. each)!
I couldn't bear the thought of them starving to death or
drowning ---fearing that I had abandoned them !
IT WOULD BREAK MY HEART TO BE FORCEFULLY PARTED FROM
THEM !

It is 'drout-like' here in ILL.,
Lori Weis

[mcmama]

I have notes on my windows too, the fire department sold decals for this as a fundraiser. I have a cat and a rabbit. Both have self feeders and watering bottles that hold a week's supply and are replenished often. One never knows what will happen.

[cocotbo]

We're a military family, so the possibility of evacuation is something that we always need to have in the backs of our minds. In addition to our son, we have a German Shepherd that we consider one of our own children.
I've never been so attached to a house that I wouldn't leave it for the sake of my family. Just as we have our "go bags", we have one for our dog as well. We have her blanket, a couple toys and food/water in sealed buckets.
I'd be devastated if I lost her. I'd rather evacuate before a weak storm that does no damage than have to leave her behind because I chose to stay and risk it.
Has anyone else prepared for their pets like they do (or should do) for themselves?

[mcmama]

I never thought about a "go bucket" for the pets, but it is a great idea. Makes it easier to evacuate and more likely that you will not be separated. Especially for the rabbit, who really could not survive on her own.