While Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Rhoades, a veterinarian and executive director of the Kauai Humane Society, was on the Mainland recently to provide training to staff and volunteers of other humane society organizations, she received a communication from officials with the
While Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Rhoades, a veterinarian and executive director of the Kauai Humane Society, was on the Mainland recently to provide training to staff and volunteers of other humane society organizations, she received a communication from officials with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
HSUS leaders are currently working in Louisiana and Mississippi to rescue as many stranded and injured animals as possible in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
HSUS staff members are overwhelmed with their efforts throughout the region, they said, so they sent out a request for personnel who are specialized in relief efforts.
“Dr. Becky did what all of us on Kaua’i wish we could do, and went to Louisiana to assist with rescue efforts,” said Elizabeth Freitas of Lihu’e, president of the Kauai Humane Society board of directors.
“We at the Kauai Humane Society are proud and inspired that Dr. Becky is able to actively participate in helping those so tragically affected by Hurricane Katrina,” Freitas said.
Kauai Humane Society leaders are accepting donations for the relief efforts for the animals. Donations may be sent to Kauai Humane Society, Attn.: Katrina, PO Box 3330, Lihu’e, HI 96766, or sent directly to the HSUS Disaster Relief Fund, Dept. DRFHBM, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, Freitas said.
“There is absolutely nothing as wonderful as watching a person who has lost everything be reunited with their pet,” said Terri Crisp, founder and director of Noah’s Wish, a nonprofit, animal-rescue organization whose members are working with Slidell Animal Control officials to care for pets in the aftermath of Katrina.
Many pet owners had no choice but to leave their animals behind when they were forced to flee their homes nearly two weeks ago, she said. Fortunately, more than 600 of those pets ended up at Noah’s Wish temporary animal shelter in Slidell, La., where they are currently being cared for by trained volunteers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians and Slidell Animal Control officers.
Many returning residents have visited the shelter, hoping to find their four-legged family members. For some, it is a joyous reunion. “Right now, pets and their owners need each other for comfort,” added Crisp.
As more pets are reunited with their families, animal behaviorists warn that pets, like people, can experience post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Most of the pets that have been displaced from their homes are going to display behavior they have never exhibited before,” said Victoria Wells, founder of Behave Yourself! (www.behaveyourself.com) and known from Animal Planet’s hit reality show “Animal Precinct.”
“Cats are likely to hide, may not use the litter box, and may even display aggression. Dogs may show signs of stress by pacing and panting, excessive barking and whining, and even aggression,” Wells said.
She suggests that owners can help prevent or alleviate these behaviors by providing a small, secure area for their dogs or cats to decompress. Familiar comforts such as pet beds, toys, and an article of clothing that has the owner’s scent on it, can help create a sense of security and comfort.
Pet owners who are now homeless have asked Noah’s Wish leaders to take care of their animals until they are able to find alternative housing.
“Noah’s Wish exists to help people as well as their pets,” said Crisp. “We’re committed to caring for these animals ourselves, or finding foster families for every dog, cat, rabbit, bird, and reptile in our care.”
The Slidell Animal Control building sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Katrina, and will need to be leveled due to structural damage.
At this time, Noah’s Wish staff and volunteers in Slidell are without phones, cell phones or Web access, and are unable to communicate outside the Slidell area.
Donations may be made to www.noahswish.org. To donate supplies, please e-mail supplies@noahswish.org. To volunteer, please e-mail Barbara_Hartman@apsva.us. To foster or adopt, please e-mail kapp@rmi.net.
For general inquiries, please e-mail info@noahswish.org
