[orsonwb]

With all of the wildfires here in Texas, I realized that even the best G.O.O.D. (Get out of Dodge) bag may not take pets into account.

[Nervous Tick]

I’ve been fattening up my tabby for the WTSHTF scenario.

Yesterday’s pet can be tomorrow’s “survival food store” — “on the hoof” instead of freeze dried.

...

[JUST KIDDING! I love my kitty and I wouldn’t dream of eating her. Well, not all at once, anyhow.)

[JRandomFreeper]

I realized that even the best G.O.O.D. (Get out of Dodge) bag may not take pets into account.

And mine never will. In a SHTF scenario, human life is paramount, and the pets are on their own. All of my effort and resources will be expended for human survivors.

/johnny

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[throwback]

My yorkie has a life jacket, and it's already been tested when he fell off the bow of our boat while trolling. Didn't notice he was gone till I saw him paddling after us.

[Hodar]

Taking care of the pet is the easiest of your survival planning. They drink water (and far less than we do) and eat dry dog/cat food. Nothing stores better than dry pet food - just throw their bag in the trunk and that's it.

Us humans, on the other hand have tons of issues. Dehydrated food, cooking fuel, stove, water purification, hygeine products, tents, sleeping bags, first aide, sunburn, blankets, sleeping pads - the list goes on and on.

Plus, Rover and Fluffy have a god-given gift of easy regurgitation. If they find a flattened animal, they can eat it - and likely will. If the food is bad, their bodies can easily vacate their stomaches and avoid food poisoning that would be far more devastating to us. Planning on the family pet's survival is easy.

Now, as for the importance of keeping the pet; Rover is a pack animal. His loyalty is to your and your family - above his personal safety. His hearing is better than yours, he can/will alert you to strangers approaching his 'pack', he can/will defend you to the best of his ability. He can/will faithfully guard and protect you. The emotional support a loving pet gives you, especially in a traumatic event, is invaluable. Sometimes the difference between life and death, is your will to live. Anything that sustains your will to live, is a good thing.

Now, while I have a couple cats (I am a dog lover first and foremost), let's face reality; Fluffy - well, as soon as the food runs out; will likely take off on her own. It's the nature of the cat to be solitary.

[Slings and Arrows]

[murron]

If my house is being threatened by a wildfire or tornado, or something else that is moving quickly, my kids would be my top priority. I love my pets very much, and I would grieve if anything would happen to them, but I would not risk my life or the lives of my loved ones to keep them safe. But in the case of a hurricane, my pets always will be with me when I evacuate. In that case, there is time to make all the right preparations. If the hotel or shelter doesn’t take pets, there are usually shelters that will take in pets. When we evacuated for Hurricane Katrina, we took our dogs and an elderly neighbor’s dog with us. One of the hotels we stayed at did not take pets, but there was a wonderful pet shelter in the area who boarded our dogs for nothing.

[Young Werther]

Don't forget their sustenance!

Especially during those Earie Times! And don't forget the water!

[Saundra Duffy]

Thanks for reminding me. I need to add cat food to my food storage.

[vetvetdoug]

I'd recommend getting your pets micro chipped. This one act will increase the chances of getting your pet back if the SHTF due to weather or natural disasters. OTOH make plans for your pets and livestock, its just good planning.