On Columbus Day, Pet Network welcomed 3 dogs, 7 kittens and 1 adult cat, all displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina. These formerly beloved pets made the 2,200 mile journey from the Lake Charles, Louisiana to Sacramento and now Incline Village. They have every right to be frightened and defensive, but each one is very friendly and welcoming of human contact.


A bit thin but otherwise healthy, they enjoyed the warmth, safety and fine dining at our Animal Friends shelter. Dogs Okra, Gumbo and Savanna will be moved to foster homes and hope to become permanent members of their new families when they become officially available for adoption (January 2006.) The kittens likewise will be offered for adoption, as will Louis a shy but grateful adult cat. (A network has been established for owners to claim their lost pets. But the sad fact is that many thousands of people still have no permanent shelter for themselves and their children. It will be a long time before they can consider reclaiming a pet, or acquiring another pet.)

Within Days of the heartbreaking disaster, the worse for animals in US history, Pet Network provided financial assistance to both the Humane Society of the United States and the Houston SPCA. Both groups were instrumental in rescuing stranded animals, setting up temporary shelters as well as providing medical care and food.

The call went out to shelters nationwide in search of housing and care for ten’s of thousands of now homeless pets. Pet Network responded by offering to transport and care for as many as we could accommodate. Homeless pets were flown to designated cities throughout the country including Sacramento where we drove to pick up our orphaned pets.

Pet Network would like to extend it’s thanks to the many individuals who responded with donations to help offset our cost of caring for new friends.

Preparation Tips: There have been many excellent guidelines published about preparing a safety kit for you and your family in the event of a natural disaster. Remember to supplement your kit with dry pet food, extra water to accommodate your pet, a leash or harness and carrier.

For More information on disaster preparation log on to www.hsus.org


Please feel free to come visit our new friends here at Pet Network.