I realize that the pets are not the most important or even one of the most important aspects of this immense disaster, but for me, if I had to abandon live, perfectly healthy and aware, much loved animals, as a condition for being rescued, that would probably be one thing that could push me over the edge emotionally. Not to trivialize the holocaust, but on a personal level, having to abandon my dog to die on a roof would remind me of that excruciating scene in the book and movie, Sophie's Choice.

ttt

Please do give to any organization that you know of that can help in any way.

Remember too that even if a person or family has made it out of the affected areas, they aren't out of the woods. I've been working an emergency hotline today, helping coordinate efforts to get people to shelters, get cash to live on and to clothe their families. It's been a rough day for an awful lot of people and the stories today have been heartbreaking. Single moms living in cars with babies, still with a little battery life left on their mobile. Moms looking for sons. People with invalid parents and nowhere to go. A lot just needing to talk.

And as I said, getting out is just their first step. Remember that people banked at places that have temporarily ceased to exist. They can't get cash even if they had some. Gas is hard to come by, and therefore transportation is too. So many left with only the clothes they're wearing and they have no idea where they're going next. There is no home, no job, no destination.

If you have done your part for these folks with the Red Cross, the Salvos or otherwise, think about helping out locally. Other charitable groups are sure to run short while all the attention has turned to the gulf coast.

Sorry, don't mean to preach or anything. I'm not really in a position to. It's just been an unusual couple of days.

Hi Clifton, I don't consider your preaching, I consider that you are sharing the horrible and sad stories so many people have shared with you.

And about having to desert ones loved pets, how terrible. That is a true heartbreaker also. I can't even imagine how one would feel.

Hopefully we can all help, in whatever way we can. And obvivously so many here on Fodor's are helping in so many ways. Blessings to all.

As a resident of the New Orleans area, please accept thanks for your thoughts and prayers. I safely evacuated (with my two dogs), and have rented a home in my hometown in central La. Fastest move in I ever did...just took 10 minutes to move 100% of my belongings... 4 boxes of photos and two suitcases...and one bookbag with my travel binders Passport and tickets for next trip next spring are in a safe box which is in the basement(!) of my bank...under about 20 feet of water. I think Delta will have to re-issue those tickets!

I have a lot to be thankful for, my family is all safe, most of my friends have been accounted for. Locals here are unbelievable...perfect strangers helping out. My best friend and her extended family are in a hotel in a small town in north La...the community puts on a potluck dinner at the high school every night so they don't have to buy food.

Please continue to pray for those who have lost everything, including friends and family.

Thanks
Anne

Hello Anne, I am glad you are safe! And I think it is safe to say that prayers are being offered all over the US for all of you that our going through this most horrible trauma. Many hugs to you and your loved ones. Take good care.

Hi Anne, and LoveItaly, too! Thank you for your post, Anne. There is way too much publicity about the looting refugees, the price gougers and the do-nothings. I know there are also thousands of stories like yours. Glad you and your dogs are safe; the pictures on the internet of people who refused to evacuate without their pets make me so sad. :'(

Hello kswl, how are you? I have been teary eyed also while watching the news. This problem goes beyond my comprehension. I find it a living nightmare so I can't even imagine what the dear people going through it are feeling...imagine by now they are so physically and emotionally drained they are probably not able to feel much of anything.

I hope you and your family are well. Best wishes to you.

Anne, thank goodness you, your family and your dogs are all safe. I cannot imagine the trauma that you must have gone though already.

Hard to know what to say in this terrible situation, but I will say that here in the UK it is being covered extensively by the media so we are all aware of this awful situation. You are in my thoughts and I send you my best wishes.

As one who visited New Orleans last year I'm particulary saddened as I know how beautiful it is and how lovely the people are.

Not to deflect, but earlier in the thread the animal situation was spoken about in some detail. I have found information on the American Zoo and Aquarium Association website regarding the zoos in the area and the aquarium in NOLA. Thank goodness, there were no animal losses but the aquarium is unstaffed as it's too dangerous at the moment.

http://www.aza.org/

I've just got back from Greece, where the coverage of the disaster was wall-to-wall. My heart goes out toeveryone involved, so awful.

Can't understand why Americans don't think we would, or are, helping? Even Fidel Castro has offered 1,100 docyors + medical supplies!

And the UK is sending ready-meal army issue food parcels. Brace yourselves!