Two of the Tri-State CART founders, Bonnie and Evelyn, went to
Kitten getting a bath, but this volunteer doesn't appear to have gotten safety training. She is not wearing bite gloves or safety goggles to decontaminate this kitten.
A mountain of donated crates - it would help us if we had these in advance of a disaster so they could be available immediately as the first animals arrive or are found. We do have a few crates in our donated storage facility, but more will be needed. Crates in good working order are always welcome!
Dogs arriving during the night. Each morning before day break, trucks would go out into the neighborhoods (sometimes many miles away) and collect animals with the help of trained search and rescue volunteers. When it got too dark to see, these trucks would return to the temporary shelter to drop off their finds. This was repeated every day. Each animal had to have it's own paperwork started as it was found. You can see this attached to the front of the crates.
An emergency Veterinary care area. Not exactly clinical, but in a disaster, everyone does the best they can to get the job done.
These dogs came in overnight and were put in this secure area till they could be processed into the emergency shelter in the morning. Once the dogs were all secured in this area, volunteers worked with one at a time to let each dog out to relieve itself before it was put back in it's crate to await the intake process.
Rabbit area. A storage area turns into a rabbit care area. Cages and crates of all sizes and types can be utilized. Water bottles, food bowls, bedding, etc. are also welcome! Even small, heavy duty cardboard boxes can be used as hidey holes for small critters or litter boxes that can be put inside a crate for cats.
Cats being rescued. this is NOT an ideal method of removing cats from a home. Cats should be contained in a carrier while still confined in the home to minimize the possibility of escape. But if this was the only way to get them out, it's better than having them starve inside the abandon home. Ideally, crates should have been ready right outside the window.
A rescued Emu! Every species of animal has it's own care needs and special considerations. We will rely on advice from experts and experienced care takers when we deal with anything more exotic than the traditional pets and animals.
All animals were rescued, even pet snakes. We are grateful to have Arrowhead Reptile rescue to help us and be available for consult regarding any reptiles that may come into our care. Volunteers are not allowed to handle or care for any animals they are not comfortable with. Safety is a top concern for our volunteers and the animals in our temporary care.
Mountains of bottled water were consumed everyday. With temps often over 100 degrees and very high humidity, consumption of water was mandatory. Often, several bottles of water could be consumed before a trip to the porta-potty was needed because so much fluid was being lost through perspiration. Regardless of the weather, hydration is critical.
All types of fencing and means of confinement were used. Kiddie pools helped keep the animals cool along with tarps over the pens. Often, it was necessary to put several dogs together in a single pen. Keeping them all watered and fed was a full time job!
Storage of supplies. All means possible were used to keep the donated supplies dry (rain was frequent.) With the owner's permission, the national animal disaster response group (Best Friends?) actually built a house on the property to store supplies. This house was left on the property as a gift to the person who donated the use of the land.
Taking ID photos. each animal that comes into our care needs his or her photo taken. this photo is printed and accompanies the animal's paperwork. Good photography skills and good equipment is in high demand. If you are upgrading and would like to donate a digital camera in working order, we would be very grateful.
Guarding and managing the supplies. Due to the overwhelming outpouring of donated supplies, the management of those supplies became a full time job. Sorting, cataloging, assigning and protecting the supplies was mandatory. Your generosity is appreciated, but please be sure we need the items before you deliver or send them to us. It might create more work if it's something we don't need.
For even more excellent photos, please visit Evelyn's Webshots albums:
The CART album is http://family.webshots.com/album/553993897wMIdOu
Katrina #1 - Sept 05,
Katrina #2 - Sept 05,
Katrina #3 - My collection of others' photos http://news.webshots.com/album/470367958fWRXkY
Katrina #4 - Nov 05,
Katrina #5 - Feb 06, New Orleans Celebration Station, Best Friends - http://news.webshots.com/album/547897448gJBSvx
