"Katrina" Pets

There has been a lot of news coverage lately about the 5 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. It's hurricane season again and we have new storms brewing...

One of the perspectives on rescue work during natural disasters that I found interesting was an article in Best Friends magazine (Sept 2010, p. 52.) This article recounted memories about the people who came to pet shelters after the storm, wanting to adopt a "Katrina dog."  When the shelters said they didn't have any more dogs rescued from that particular storm, many people left without a new pet.

They wanted a hurricane pet or nothing!

Dr. Frank McMillan recounts this experience and comments on how much he admires the shelter workers who could have lied and said all the pets in the shelter were "Katrina" pets, but didn't.  They could have adopted out hundreds more animals, but truth and ethics won out.

When disaster strikes and we want to help, it's important to remember that adopting ANY animal from ANY shelter makes room for the animals who suddenly need care and the chance for a new home.  If there's no where to place these displaced pets, many must be euthanized.

I'd never thought of this angle on helping during a disaster before. 

Would you go ahead and adopt a "non-hurricane" (or "Michael Vick", or "earthquake'", etc.) pet if you were trying to help out? 

--Laurel

Comments

[jan]

It seems to me that their motives for wanting to adopt a pet were not to give a home to a pet but to "feel good" about themselves.

[Laurel]

It does seem that way, doesn't it, Jan. I'm sure some just really wanted to extend themselves and reach out to the specific animals who touched their hearts, but I would have adopted another one anyway if I was already there and ready!

[Lindsay]

People are also more likely to adopt an "abused" or "neglected" animal. It makes us feel good I guess. I make sure to play up the dog's story whenever I'm trying to help a rescue dog get adopted. Even playing up the whole "she was at the pound and was almost euthanized" helps.

Adopting a pet just for the sake of "helping" is the wrong reason to adopt. Animals are a lot of work.

[Laurel]

I agree Lindsay. I think you make a good point...people like to know an animal's story. It gives them more depth and meaning in some ways and perhaps strengthens the bonds that form. Thanks for your insights.

[Midge]

Unfortunately for me, I have encountered the type of people at shelters who only wanted to make themselves feel good. I watched as precious cats reached out from their cages, wanting so badly to make that important eye contact and physical connection with someone, only to be passed over 'cause someone wanted a "special color of fur", etc., never even learning of the cat's history, etc.
Heartbreaking, to say the least.........

[Dana]

I agree that this can be a very tricky situation. Obviously, devastating events tug at our heart strings and cause us to do things we may not normally do. However, I agree with what everyone is saying about adopting a homeless pet regardless of the circumstances. It does feel great to provide a home for an animal in need, but the decision must be made keeping the animal's welfare and best interests in mind.