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| Pets are not forgotten | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Today is a day of prayer and remembrance, for the innocent victims of the inhuman crimes that occurred in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania on 9/11/01, and for the courageous rescue workers who still risk their lives in the hopes of finding live victims amongst the wreckage. While those brave men and women search rubble, we search our souls to find meaning in our loss, but lacking meaning, we reach out to grab the hands of those closest to us, whether they be loved ones or strangers. There are those who thought this kind of disaster would bring us to our knees. They are right, in part, as today we are on our knees in prayer; but, believe me, we will rise and be stronger than ever in our solidarity and determination that this kind of unspeakable act will never again be perpetrated upon the Land we love; the Country we love; or the People we love.
Fortunately, there are groups who make this kind of concern their business, and they unfailingly rise to the forefront to help creatures who cannot help themselves. With a lot of help from friends, here are resources for people who have lost animals, or for people who just want to help. The ASPCA "In response to the World Trade Center disaster, the ASPCA has set up a command center and placed a fully equipped mobile veterinary unit on the corner of Houston and West Streets at the Hudson River in New York City. The ASPCA is now working with other authorities to remove pets from homes in the buffer zone south of Canal Street. We will also be providing emergency relief services to any areas where we can gain access to pets in need. In addition, pet owners may call to report their pets as abandoned. The number is (212) 876-7700 x4PET. An ASPCA Law Enforcement Officer will be dispatched from the command center and escort pet owners to the location of their pet. The ASPCA has coordinated efforts with the New York City government and will be assisted by the New York City Parks Department to gain access to buildings."(Pet owners will need to provide a photo and proof of address.) The ASPCA offers more advice and instruction on their web site. Hudson County Animal League As soon as we make sure all pets are safe in the Hudson County area, we will use our resources to assist the shelters and rescue groups in South Manhattan with fostering, supplies etc.According to Ms. Mollis, the HCAL has full plans to shelter homeless animals from NJ and southern Manhattan. Donations can be sent to the above address; checks should be made out to Hudson County Animal League. EARS (Emergency Animal Rescue Service) "I know that all of us are in shock over what is happening in the country right now. It is hard to comprehend how many lives will be affected by this tragedy. Of course the focus right now is to help and protect people, but naturally all of us can't help but wonder how animals will be affected by what is currently unfolding in New York City and Washington, D.C." Manhattan Center for Animal Care & Control Other Emergency Rescue Groups Email Lists Unite As we deeply mourn the loss of so many lives, grieve the end of our collective innocence and reflect on our sense of shaken security, let us take a moment to remember the cherished animals of those lost in the attack. The little ones who lived with the victims of this despicable act of terrorism will wait patiently, in countless homes and apartments, for those they love, but who will never return. As we send our caring thoughts to the victims families so devastated by this national tragedy, let us remember the loyal animals whose lives were also changed forever. Let us hope that those who lived with a single victim will not be forgotten or lost in the chaos, but will be moved into homes where they will receive the love so violently taken from them - as their dear, late human companions would have wished.In closing, I must regrettably mention one warning. There are heartless, cruel people who will take advantage of the innate goodness in all of us to respond to catastrophes such as we face by digging into our pockets. I urge you to use care in your donations, that they reach the proper agencies. Do not respond to email requests for money unless you are knowledgeable of the source. Do not respond to phone requests for donations. Be generous in giving blood to the American Red Cross, and whatever you can afford to legitimate organizations, but be very careful out there.
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