Purrs 4 Peace- Week 17 Announcement: Natural Disasters are Disastrous for Animals

Noble souls, through dust and heat, rise from disaster and defeat the stronger.

• Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

In past weeks we have purred to put an end to man-made sources of pain and suffering. But the loss of life and the suffering of survivors of natural disasters such as tornados, hurricanes, volcanos, earthquakes, wild fires and tsunamis also destroys the ability of the world to live in peace. Therefore, this week, in view of the deadly tsunami in Samoa and the devastating earthquake in Sumatra, we will focus our purrs on rescue and comfort for the victims of natural disaster. In particular I believe it is appropriate to purr for the animal victims who are often overlooked in planning before the natural disaster and in rescue efforts after the event has taken place.

For many people in the U.S. it was Hurricane Katrina was a wake-up call, an illustration the tragic effects a natural disaster could have for animals. When Katrina struck the New Orleans area, humans weren’t the only ones effected. Estimates indicate that more than 250,000 pets including cats, dogs, parrots and fish were left stranded. Many owners who had evacuated or gone to shelters were forced to leave their pets at home with food and water. They expected to be able to return in a few days. But as days turned into weeks these animals were left to struggle to survive in polluted floodwaters, without food or clean water to drink.

Even when rescues commenced problems and suffering for animals continued. Shelters were overwhelmed. Most were not able to be re-united with their humans. Animals were euthanized a problem that was exacerbated by the fact that stranded animals had not been spayed and neutered.

Following Katrina there have been increased efforts to require emergency preparedness plans that include pets/animals in evacuation and shelter. We know how crucial this is not only for for ourselves since many humans refuse to leave their beloved family members. My mummy says there is no way she would allow herself to be evacuated and leave me or my canine sister behind. She would stay in harms way with us, rather than save herself. So saving animals saves the humans who love them.

When purring for peace this week, we purr to ease the suffering of all victims of natural disaster: two legged and four legged. Animals are people too.

Week 17 of Purrs 4 Peace details are as follows:

• Week seventeen’s appointed time is Sunday, October 4, 2009.
• Participants should purr for three minutes commencing at 3 p.m. EDT (U.S.) which is 8:00 p.m. (20:00 hrs.) BST in the U.K.
• The cat’s human staff should assist their cats with the project by stroking and nuzzling the cat at the appointed time.
• Please post your cat name and the country you purr in at www.confuciuscat.blogspot.com as a COMMENT if you are participating in this historic project. (posting a link to your own website-if you have one-is encouraged.) Or let me know by message on twitter or facebook.
• Posting purrs on facebook ( Acolytes of Confucius Cat or as friend to Alley Mason) and twitter (@ConfuciusCat) is encouraged, since it inspires purring in others, but not required. On twitter please use #purrs4peace in your tweets.