*IMMEDIATELY we need to...**

[speckledbird]

IMMEDIATELY WE NEED TO...

(1) Find out the truth of the situation in the Gulf...

(2) Discover continuous ways to support the Animal Rescue Effort in New Orleans...

(3) Ascertain how WE can be a viable force and voice in helping our fellow citizens get their quality of life BACK...

(4) Your turn...what say YOU?

[sparkie]

I am afraid the truth in the gulf can only be answered as "Only God knows". Hope I am wrong.

[NicoMoon]

Hi Speckledbird,

I'm with you that we need the answers to those questions.

As the rebuilding process begins, we're going to have to keep our eyes and ears open for sure.

We probably need a thread in the Political sections devoted to the topic. I suspect it will be a hot one for years to come!

The same for the quality of life for the evacuees. What our experience here taught me is that they were in many ways shielded from the facts of the huge outpouring of offers to help in the early days. Now that the media has dropped the story the sense of urgency has ended, and I guess we're meant to think that all is back to business as usual. But common sense tells a different story. We really do have to continue to investigate and report on this story at the very least. The Let's Roll project will always be here, gathering information, identifying need, and most importantly, IMO, soliciting volunteers and encouraging volunteerism.

The Animal Rescue Effort is the immediate issue to get figured out, for sure.
The scary thought is that at some point any remaining strays will be euthanized. The numbers of animals displaced by this disaster is mind boggling. And let's face it, it's all down to money. Even if people offer to adopt or foster the sweet critters in droves, there still has to be money for transport and care in the meantime.

Right now, this is the cause that moves me, because the animals are fully and completely dependent upon us for their safety and care. It breaks my heart to even think about the amount of fear and suffering these poor creatures are experiencing.

But answers? I don't have any, other than that we have to continue posting information, supporting the animal rescuers, and appealing to the public to donate, donate, donate!!

Oh, and we have to get better organized so we can pool our energy and resources, so please do step in, animal lovers!! Before we can do anything significant, we need to band together. We have a great resource here, jump in, and take advantage of the communication tools, and the passionate team spirit here!

Great questions, Speckledbird!! I think you really identified the most significant areas for us to proceed with our efforts here.

Thanks!!

[NicoMoon]

I am afraid the truth in the gulf can only be answered as "Only God knows". Hope I am wrong.

Yes, I hear you, Sparkie, but we do have to find the answers to those questions to the best of our ability, IMO.

Information is power, so the way I see it, is that one of our most significant contributions can be to be committed to gathering and publishing it over the long haul.

Our Let's Roll project is only as strong as the sum total of our volunteers if we are going to respond as a group to the information that comes through, as it comes through.

We've learned a lot since we arrived here less than two months ago, now, and we need to just keep building on what we have, and see where it takes us.

Clear focus, committment, and strong hearts will take us a long way, but at the foundation of all great accomplishment is great organization, so we really have to focus on building ours for the immediate future.

We do need more committed volunteers, for sure!

That's how I see it.

Nico

[sparkie]

Just like a house, taking the time building a strong foundation is critical!!!!

[NicoMoon]

Just like a house, taking the time building a srong foundation is critical!!!!

Yes, that's the succinct way of putting it, thanks!!

[Meow]

If money, supplies is the immediate need. Why don't you contact people who have resources for animals already(non profits). It has been my experience that the non profits are most willing to give. They might even use their media contacts to help you.

I was overwhelmed once at providing feral cats food at one time and mentioned it to a friend of mine that had a non profit. It had been on the news a few weeks prior that someone broke in the SPCA, and wrecked the place and stole the animals food. They got a write up and more donations of than they needed. My friend gave me the name of the person to talk to at SPCA and I told him my story. He told me to come down and pick the food up.

My friends went to pick it up and he gave me a flat bed truck full of food. Of course, I shared it with them as it was too much for me to use,.

My point is that these people already have the contacts, the backers and the resources, movie stars. They may have transports going to New Orleans already tha could stop at the Einn Dixie and drop off food.I heard on the news the other day that a caravan arrivecd in Ft. Worth tranporting many animals from New Orleans and they were going back for more.

My point is, people ar already doing(in other areas) what you are attempting to do at the Winn Dixie parking lot, and through the lack of communication with the grass roots groups, they may not even be aware of their need. It is not to say that the efforts of soliciting help from individuals is not worthwhile, but you have been working on this for weeks with very little results other than setting up communication between yourselves.

There are organizations out there that will help you. They have trucks, they have food and they have money. Stories are on the news about groups that are helping.They are not perusing the internet looking for ways to help the animals, they are doing it.

Make some phone calls and ask for help. Why do you think that you have to do this alone? They probably have trucks going to New Orleans and maybe you could get them to stop at the Winn Dixie and drop off food.

Call then and tell them your story.

[sparkie]

This may be a contact to learn the animla situation in Florida after Wilma. Xposted from Nola.com:

25327. (READ)Hurricane Wilma
by Trapperbill, 10/23/05 16:17 ET
Please keep in mind that there are several rescue groups in South Florida. Please keeps us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe outcome. If you need to get in touch with me my cell phone is (954) 290-5202. Hopefully the towers will not go. I will post any news after the storm. We have animal shelters open for large animals and small pets here. Supplies may be needed after the storm. Thank all of you!
Trapper Bill