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Attack on America Tragedy: Veterinary update

Veterinary news from NYC and ongoing disaster relief efforts

Dateline: 09-12-01
I am still sitting here utterly shocked and stunned. I cannot say anything "new" to describe how I am feeling. I have a sister who lives just blocks away from the New York tragedy site. She is fine, thankfully. It was a very stressful day trying to make contact during the chaos of yesterday. My sincerest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers for the thousands of other families experiencing a pain like no other. Thanks to all of the tireless rescue and support workers -- you are all heroes.

View from my sister's apartment
Photo © K. Tobiassen Before	Photo © K. Tobiassen 2.5 hours later

I know animals are involved in the disaster -- there are many search/rescue dogs on the job right now, but I wonder about animals possibly trapped in the wreckage or "orphaned" by the disaster. There were some reports of veterinary professionals needed by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The ASPCA has posted this on their web site:

"In response to the World Trade Center disaster, the New York City Government is at the lead in managing the disaster. The ASPCA has offered its resources, once the City has permitted us access. Until then the ASPCA is on standby."

Please, everyone -- take care of your loved ones and yourselves. I join you in offering solace and support to those directly affected by this horrific event.

EARS Disaster Action Reports - Ongoing relief effort reports from Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS)

"Ground Zero" veterinary hospitals
NYC-area veterinary hospital report

Resources
The Psychological Effects of Trauma
Information about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, from Mental Health Guide, Leonard Holmes, Ph.D. People who live through life-threatening trauma often experience these symptoms.

More news
VMATs called to action
VMATs, or Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams, have been called to assist in the disaster.

What does VMAT do?
Learn more about this disaster relief for animals organization.

Scent-Sniffing Search Dogs Help Rescue Fourth Person
Rescue efforts continue with the help of specially trained dogs.

Appeal for Aid from the AVMF
The AVMF (American Veterinary Medical Foundation) needs help outfitting the rescue teams. You can donate using a secure server on the site.

Animals in Airports
The following is from author Jim Willis.

"It's being pointed out by rescuers in NY and elsewhere that a recommendation being distributed on some lists that we drive to airports to check on animals is a bad one - any animal stranded at an airport is already receiving care, there are still staff members there.

I don't know how it can be accomplished, but it's more critical to check on the pets of anyone who worked at the World Trade Center and the hundreds of rescue workers who we know died."

-- Jim
tiergarten@onebox.com
http://jimwillis0.tripod.com/tiergarten/

If you can help, please do! And even if you aren't in the near vicinity, the American Red Cross* is in dire need of cash donations, volunteer help, and blood donations from everyone. There are also international Red Cross organizations that are providing assistance in this tragedy.

NOTE: The American Red Cross site may be difficult to reach at this time due to high traffic -- the link is: www.redcross.org.

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