Dear Friends,

Tales of survival coming out of New Orleans include the rescue of dogs, cats and other family pets that had to be abandoned by families fleeing the rising water. And now help is desperately needed for the thousands of pets being rescued from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina.

A massive relief effort to care for and reunite these lost pets with their families has been launched by the American Humane Association as well as other organizations.

Many of the animals who survived have suffered extreme trauma and are in need of veterinary care. Finding and being reunited with their pets will be an important part of healing the shattered lives of many people who have lost their homes, their neighborhoods, their jobs, and life as they knew it before the storm.

Right now American Humane's Animal Emergency Services are in Louisiana and Mississippi coordinating a multi-state animal rescue and recovery effort. This team is rescuing animals whose owners were forced to flee in evacuations, treating animals in need of veterinary care, and providing food and supplies to shelters and pet owners.

The American Humane Association is working to rescue and reunite these animals with their families, but they need your help. Please make a donation to the American Humane Association or to the Humane Society of America today.

Thank you!
Valarie