Sorry, everyone, but people are more important than animals.
(My flame suit is on.)
So very sad for pets and owners. So heartbreaking. A pet is a child to most owners, and this is unacceptable that they cannot be evacuated with the families.
Something equally sad was when the military dog handlers in Vietnam were told that they had to leave their beloved scout dogs behind to an uncertain fate when they had to quickly evacuate at the end of the Vietnam war. These men never got over the fact that they had to abandon these faithful companions. :o(
My local Humane Society is taking care of many "hurricane dogs" -- dogs whose owners have been evacuated to local shelters (or hotels) that don't allow animals. No doubt the animals are confused, but they are safe and well fed and available to be reunited with their owners in the future. Pet owners that have to evacuate should think about this option.
Story on Fox now about rescued pets and being reunited with their very happy owners