By Kris Field, volunteeer


How many volunteers does it take to dream and create a program that could potentially save the lives of hundreds of household pets in the Denver area involved in disasters? Apparently, five, because that's how many were present at the history-making, first meeting of the aptly-named Pet Aid (Pet Emergency Team for Animals In Disaster) focus group.

After years of frustration because of the inability to provide pet protective services for clients, Liz DiPaolo decided to do something positive toward the formation of an animal help group. Liz sent out the word that change was afoot and we are talking big,big changes, in the way in which pets will be handled by the American Red Cross volunteers during a small local disaster.

Kris Field, Executive Director, Barnwater Cats Rescue Organization and ARC volunteer was brought in to help. And then we had the founding members of the very first meeting of the Pet Evacuation Team/Animals in Disaster. As we all got on board this train, bound for glory, we knew we were in for the ride of our lives.

What's the plan about and how will it work? Well, the general idea is that we will set up a network of trained volunteers who would be willing to open their hearts and homes in order to provide foster care for local pets displaced by a disaster, such as a fire. Our vision is that when pets are in need of housing, the Dat team on-call would notify the Pet Aid responder on -call, who would then contact a foster home.The foster home would make arrangements with the pet guardians, so that the animals could be safely transported to a vet, an emergency room or a foster home. So far, all of the pets to be fostered have furry ears and four legs, but we are still in discussion around these parameters.Also, we are planning to provide training in pet nutrition and behavior so that all of our foster home volunteers will have consistent guidelines in how to handle the pets and pet (in-home) emergencies.

Publicity? Kris Field contacted Troy Snow, the official professional photographer for Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah. Having fallen in love with his poignant images in the book, Not Left Behind, she knew these were the types of photographs that we wanted to use to convey our passion. Generously, Troy gave us permission to use whichever photos we wanted, at no charge, We thank him for his kindness and availability.

Then on Thursday, March 22, Liz presented her research on MOUs, past and present, that the ARC has with organizations involved in animal welfare; and Kris designed and demonstrated home-made pet comfort kits, which she made from plastic boxes filled with enough food, treats, toys, and other essential supplies to last at least three days, which she calls "Buddy Boxes." No pet left behind will truly take on a new meaning in the Mile High City.

So, what do we need and how can you help? We need volunteers and we need money. We need vendors to donate dry pet food, dishes, can openers (hand-held), kitty litter, litter boxes, pooper scoopers(cat), canned food, dog and cat toys, collars and leashes. If you would like to be a part of a network of animal-loving volunteers; and if you would like to ensure that at least ONE pet gets to a safe haven during a disaster, then give us your paw and let's make it happen.

Everybody in the country will be watching us to see how we do it, so let's give 'em something to see! If you can bring comfort to a shivering, frightened dog who was trapped in a flooded basement; or if you can cradle a terrified kitty suffering from smoke inhalation and singed ears from his house fire, then join our "angel patrol for pets." Because right now, folks, in Denver, Colorado, with all eyes on us and all of the animals depending solely on our network, we are the bridge over troubled waters....we are the world!

With love and gratitude,