Posted on 09/07/2005 8:44:57 PM PDT by SandRat
BISBEE - Marilyn Jones was tired of sitting at home and crying about what was happening on the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Jones, who has been involved with the Bisbee Animal Shelter, was to leave for Houston today to put her animal skills to work.
The Houston chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has reported more than 1,000 cases of pets being separated from their owners.
Jones said she will first travel to Houston, and, if possible, then go to Louisiana to care for pets.
"I think my particular skill will be useful," she said, adding her experience with animals and computer knowledge could prove to be useful.
Some people left the Gulf Coast with intentions of returning in a few days.
"They did not know how long that would be gone," she said. "These animals are now without food and water."
It will be difficult to reunite the animals with their owners. Jones said she is going to Houston without knowing exactly what will be needed.
"If they want me to clean kennels, that is what I will do," she said.
Jones plans on being away from Bisbee for two to three weeks. She said she has found someone who will watch over the six animals that are at her home while she is away.
She said she hopes her experience in volunteering at the Bisbee Animal Shelter proves useful when working with the lost pets.
While the animals are important, Jones said the most important aspect is to find and care for the people who were affected by the hurricane.
"People first, pets second, and I agree with that," she said.
If there are too many volunteers at the SPCA, she will try to donate her time to the victims who are living at the Astrodome.
"Compassion is compassion," she said. "They had to do whatever it took to (evacuate)."
Jones said she had to put her money where her mouth is.
"I will be able to do something there," she said. On her return trip to Bisbee, she will stop at Green Valley to drop off some small dogs to those residents.
The SPCA is expecting hundreds of more pets to show up in the coming days and weeks.
"There is a lot to be done," she said.
We are at our limit as to pets at home (3 dogs, 5 cats), but we can pay for others to foster, if they have the room.
Go to the source link there is an email address that should help you get in contact to help however you can.
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