by Sandy Lurins

Several months ago when we decided to focus on "Hope and Healing" in the October issue of FETCH, there was so much we could not predict.

Obviously the biggest unpredictable was the devastation that Hurricane Katrina would deliver to New Orleans and surrounding areas of three states. Certainly, however, the rescue efforts are an amazing illustration of hope and healing. Not only have animal welfare agencies and shelters all across the country participated in the rescue and temporary relocation of thousands of companion animals, we have seen a new awareness of pets as family members.

There are several moves afoot to ensure that in future disaster scenarios, we will not be forced to leave pets behind because they are not welcome in the human shelters. At a time when people have to deal with losing their homes, jobs, friends, and neighborhoods, asking them to separate from their pets is simply not acceptable.

Phyllis DeGioia, editor of the Veterinary Partner web site, is spreading the word for those of us who would like to see the current Red Cross "no pets" policy changed. She is urging you to write both local and national Red Cross officials asking that this policy be reconsidered. If it is not, imagine that "big one" that we in northern California are apprehensive about. And imagine being forced to leave your pets behind should you need to seek shelter.

If DeGioia gets her way, the Red Cross would set aside a percentage of shelter space for those with pets, and appropriate supplies would be available to keep as many pets as possible with their families.

Three Congressmen (Rep. Tom Lantos, D-California; Christopher Shays, R-Connecticut; and Barney Frank, D-Masschusetts) are sponsoring a bill that would require state and local disaster preparedness plans required for Federal Emergency Management Agency funding include provisions for household pets and service animals. "I cannot help but wonder how many more people could have been saved had they been able to take their pets," Lantos said when the bill was announced.

Even closer to home

The other night I drove over to my local shelter to take photos and watch some of the Katrina orphans being checked in. The love, dedication, and commitment that it took to bring them this far is astonishing. We should all be honored to live in a community that has the resources and willingness to shelter so many of the refugees.

Working on this issue of FETCH, from its original focus on coping with serious illness and loss, to the unexpected coverage of hurricane rescue, has been emotional for all of us. I had the honor of meeting Raven and Christie, and Pete met Cheri Ross. We’ve been deeply affected and inpsired by these events and connections.

That’s why this month Daniel and I adopted 11-year old Wylie from Grateful Dogs Rescue. We know adopting a senior dog means we probably won’t get many years with him, and his anxiety issues ensure they will be somewhat challenging years, at that. Still, there’s this hope that we can bring him some healing, enough to make his life and ours richer for the time we have.

But then there is loss. We were saddened three months ago when our art director, Barbara Mickelson, lost her Emma (Emma’s photo illustrates the pet loss support article on page 9); and just two days ago, as we readied this issue of FETCH for the printer, Barbara again faced loss when she had to say goodbye to Shasta, who was suffering from sinus cancer. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Barbara and her partner Suzanne.

No matter the reason—hurricane, cancer, old age–loss is always part of the cycle of life. And so are hope and healing. Take a moment now to pet someone you love... and relish the wonder of it all.