NEW YORK, Aug. 31, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Terri Crisp, Founder and Director of Noah's Wish, a not-for-profit organization that works exclusively to save animals after disasters, has set up rescue operations in Slidell, Louisiana. Crisp is being joined by more than 450 trained volunteers from across the nation to assist in the recovery efforts in the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers include veterinarians, veterinary technicians and grief counselors.
Because most shelters do not allow pets, except for seeing-eye dogs and service animals, most pets are simply abandoned when families flee. Crisp estimates that over the next few weeks she and her team will rescue more than 1,000 pets.
"Noah's Wish exists to help people just as much as we help animals," says Crisp. "We will provide temporary shelter for pets whose owners have lost their homes and hopefully our teams will be able to reunite lost pets with their owners."
In addition, Noah's Wish will assist with the rescue of farm animals.
Americans who want to help can donate online at WWW.NOAHSWISH.ORG. More than 75% of donations go directly to help animals and cash is preferred as it allows the organization to purchase the supplies needed. "The destruction I witnessed while driving from Houston into Slidell was like nothing I have ever seen before," said Crisp. "Our job has just started. We will be here for many, many weeks."
Noah's Wish urges Americans to remember their animals when planning for disaster.
"Don't wait for an emergency to strike -- be prepared for disasters and include your animals in your family's disaster plan. If you have to evacuate your home for any reason, do not leave your pets," says Crisp. If you have no choice but to leave your animals behind, it is advised to turn the animals loose, giving them a chance to survive on their own. Identification is also key -- always keep a collar and tag on cats and dogs, and, if possible, have the animal micro-chipped.
Crisp has been devoted to animal disaster preparedness, education, and response since 1983. She has responded to more than 50 disasters worldwide including floods, wildfires and hurricanes, and has traveled overseas to aid in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami in 2004. She has trained volunteers, animal welfare organizations and emergency management agencies across the nation and around the world, building relationships that enable her to work with organizations during times of crisis.
Terri is the author of two books, "Out of Harm's Way" and "Emergency Animal Rescue Stories," which provide stories from some of the disasters she has responded to.
Noah's Wish is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Placerville, California (near Sacramento). Donations may be mailed to Noah's Wish, P.O. Box 997, Placerville, CA 95667
The Noah's Wish logo can be found at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1831