Pets and Natural Disasters

http://www.peoplepets.com/people/pets/gallery/0,,20645567,00.html#21237579

"LeeAnn Rivera and her seven children fled their Queens, N.Y., apartment, which was completely flooded by the disaster. Sadly, they had to leave their dog and three cats behind. ASPCA responders rescued the brood from the wreckage and brought them to the Queens College evacuation shelter where the family is now living."

This seriously pissed me off. First of all, if she had evacuated like she was told and planned ahead even a little, she wouldn't have left her animals stranded or in need of rescuing. Who knows what even happened to the cats? Second, domesticated animals entrust you with their lives. They are living, breathing creatures. Third, don't bring a life into your home that you are not willing to even consider in the event of an emergency. There were places set up all over the area in the path of this storm where you could take your pets before hand. All of NYC knew it was in the path. 

Steve and I have a plan. I grab Jasmine, he grabs the folder of our life. I am extremely grateful to have sprinklers in every room. In the event of a fire, with us home or not, my cat will not burn to death. She may be wet and pissed off at the end of the day, but she will be safe and alive.

Obviously, you can't plan for all natural disasters. But people need to have a plan for their pets with the ones you can plan for, such as Sandy.

Rant over.