Harley’s face depicts what I felt when I heard about the devastation in Moore, OK…

Having lived in many areas of this great country, I have been blessed. Never have I experienced anything as terrifying as a tornado, hurricane, or any other natural disaster.

Last August I wrote a blog post about Hurricane Isaac and the damage it did as it swept through New Orleans. I remember how my heart wept for those families affected and how it ached for them as they tried to either find shelter with their pets or how some were stricken with the dreadful task of locating their pets.

This week those same emotions crept back into my heart as I watched media coverage of the aftermath of the powerful tornado that blasted through Oklahoma.

How ashamed I am to confess, but.. do you know even after writing that story, I regret to admit, I am still not ready in the event of an emergency.

June is the official month of hurricane season and it is NATIONAL PET PREPAREDNESS MONTH. Let’s all give our pets a fabulous gift, let’s get our act “together” by making sure we are ready! Not only for our pets, but for our families as well – www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/preparedness

Here’s a list I posted before – items we would want handy in the event of an emergency. It made pawfect sense to me:

FOOD AND WATER BOWLS: Don’t forget food and water bowls! Travel size and plastic bowls are much easier to transport on the road.
MEDICATIONS: Medications, vaccination records and pet first aid supplies should also be packed. Medications and medical records should be stored in a waterproof container. A pet first aid book is also good to include.
COMFORT ITEMS: Bring along comfort items, such as a toy and blanket. These can help to reduce your pet’s stress from travel and severe weather.
CURRENT PHOTOS: Bring along current photos and descriptions of your pets, including any details or markings. These items can be extremely helpful to help others identify your pet. You can also use this information to prove they are your pets in case you become separated. Pet owners should remember that having your pet microchipped dramatically increases the chances of a reunion if that pet becomes lost.
LEASH, HARNESS, AND CARRIER: For dogs, remember to bring a leash or harness and a carrier large enough to use as a sleeping area. These items will help transport your pet safely and to ensure they can’t escape. Carriers should be large enough to allow the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Cats will need enough litter for five days, and a litter box that can be easily transported. A sturdy carrier also makes travel much easier for cats.
TAGS AND IDs: Your pet should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times in case you become separated. Make sure your pet is wearing its collar and that it includes the proper information. If it is not already on there, you should add your current cell phone number to your pet’s tag. It may also be a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area. That way, if your pet is lost, you can provide a number that will be answered even if you’re unable to be reached by phone.

The Boys and I send “oodles of doodle” love to the countless first responders, volunteers, good sam’s and so many others who have spent days trying to help those victimized by this tornado.

If you’d like to “help the pets” –  here are just two ways (out of dozens I suppose) that you can.

If you’re a “social media” person – then “like” The Animal Resources Center of Oklahoma City on their FaceBook page and help spread their message…

“We are opening as a relief center for animals affected by the tornado. Call us at 405-604-2892.” Perhaps there is something on their list that you may feel inclined to send…

Red Rover is another resource. They are a wonderful Nonprofit Organization that “brings animals from crisis to care”, check out their website, see if there is something you can do there.

But above all, let us keep all those families in our thoughts and prayers, and heed this warning. Let’s put forth some effort, dedicate some time, and evaluate whether our families are as prepared as humanly possible, should a natural disaster come our way. This is so vitally important!

If you would like additional tips on preparedness plans that include your pet – visit www.humansociety.org

The Boys and I thank you in advance for sending well wishes to those pet parents in Oklahoma…

Thanks for reading, thanks for praying, thanks for caring…