SLIDELL, La., Sept. 11, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- "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 that is working with Slidell Animal Control 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. Fortunately, more than 600 of those pets ended up at Noah's Wish temporary animal shelter in Slidell, Louisiana, 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.behave-yourself.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 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 to take care for 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. Therefore, Noah's Wish is asking that pet owners from Slidell come in person to Heritage Park to report a lost or stranded pet. Noah's Wish staff will be at Heritage Park from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day for the next several weeks. Pet owners must come in person to determine if their pet is at the shelter, as the number of pets being rescued is expected to climb into the hundreds.
Noah's Wish is a 501 c3 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. Donations can be made at WWW.NOAHSWISH.ORG. Please note that due to an overwhelming response, the website can be slow and we ask that visitors to the site be patient. Donations go directly to help the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. Cash is preferred as it allows the organization more flexibility to purchase only those supplies that are needed. To donate supplies: e-mail supplies@noahswish.org. To volunteer: e-mail Barbara_Hartman@apsva.us. To foster or adopt: e-mail kapp@rmi.net. General inquiries: info@noahswish.org.
To report stranded animals in Slidell, Louisiana: email info@noahswish.org or call 530-622-9313. For pet rescue in any area of Louisiana outside Slidell, email Katrina@ldaf.louisiana.gov or call 225-925-3980.