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NEAVS
Helps in Aftermath of Terrorist Attacks
(Winter 2002) NEAVS shared in the efforts
of so many to help the heroes and victims of the September 11th
terrorist attacks. During the first days after the attack that felled
the World Trade Center towers, NEAVS rushed supplies including bedding,
veterinary tape and pet wipes to the rescue dogs.
As an organization whose mission is to move the
world toward limitless compassion, NEAVS provided some of the much
needed items on behalf of our thousands of caring supporters.
Helping Grassroots
Groups
Through NEAVS members and supporters in the NYC
area, we received critical first-hand information about grassroots
groups that went to work immediately to help companion animals of
the 9-11 victims and survivors.
Among the many worthy non-profit grassroots organizations
working tirelessly, NEAVS gave donations and promotional support
to:
- City Critters which
took in a dozen animals directly related in the WTC tragedy as
well as downtown strays who fled from the WTC/Battery Park areas.
- New Yorkers for Companion Animals
which provided good homes for all animals in need.
- Pets Alive, Inc., which
took in cats and dogs from family and friends of WTC victims,
dogs from suddenly overcrowded pounds, and companion animals of
military personnel called overseas.
- Brooklyn Animal Rescue Coalition
(BARC) which helped stray dogs and cats in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint
area.
Radio Interview
NEAVS’ President also spoke for a half-hour with
WBMX, Mix 98.5-FM program host Gary Trust, explaining how people
could best look after their companion animals in an emergency.
In her interview with Trust, she said, "We
can never allow ourselves to be victimized by complacency. As the
9-11 tragedies have so graphically reminded us, our companion animals
may be left alone for longer than we originally planned."
She urged radio listeners to access NEAVS’ downloadable
Companion Animal Rescue/Emergency Information card (CAREinfo card)
providing vital information about companion animals who might need
help in an emergency.
She explained that there are a number of practical
things people can do to be better prepared to help their companion
animals in the event of an emergency:
- Since companion animals most likely will
be prohibited from entering an emergency shelter with you, make
plans in advance with a trustworthy friend or relative who can
reach your companion animals if need be and provide for their
rescue and care. A trusted veterinarian or kennel may be another
solution. Discuss your animals’ needs in advance, and make sure
the person responsible has access to your vet’s contact information
and your animal companion’s health records.
- Keep a recent photo of your companion
animal with you for identification purposes. And always carry
NEAVS’ CAREinfo
card with you!
- Post photo(s) of your companion(s) in
a readily noticeable spot (such as the refrigerator) along with
clear, simple instructions on where to locate your companion animal(s)
and their food and supplies.
- Have at least a week’s supply of food,
special meds, litter, bedding and a sturdy carrier. Record emergency
numbers (vet, animal control, etc. on your NEAVS’
CAREinfo card) and have everything "ready to go!"
- Each day when you leave the house, be
sure to leave a big bowl of water (enough to last your companion
2-3 days). We all know that water should be changed daily; however,
in an emergency, any source of water may help save a life.
- Whenever possible, especially for feline
companions, consider providing self-feeding stations.
- Never leave them chained or otherwise
confined without appropriate protection. Dogs have been known
to accidentally hang themselves or suffer deadly attacks from
other dogs when chained outside. Never use choker-style
collars to tie your dog.
For additional information, visit the Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s Web site (www.fema.gov/fema/aprep.htm).
Tributes in Boston Metro and
E Magazine
Shortly after the tragedy, NEAVS placed advertisements
in memory of the 9-11 victims and heroes in the Boston Metro
and in the Environmental Magazine, E. "The events
of September 11, 2001 are a reminder to each of us that cruelty
comes in many forms, and we need to work together to build a better
world for humans and animals together," said Capaldo. "We
believe our advertisements served as a memorable reminder of this
message of compassion."
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