A cat walks across a roof, surrounded by floodwaters, as rescuers pass by looking for human victims.

A dog, chained to a fence next to a can of unopened food, with a note that says, "Please take care of my pet," is left to starve, as human evacuees are loaded onto a bus.

A kitten, scared and confused, paddles frantically for safety until a Good Samaritan scoops him up and rescues him from certain death.

These are the scenes playing out in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Frightened animals left to fend for themselves; owners beside themselves with concern for their pets; rescuers instructed to ignore animals in need and instead search only for people, while animal welfare agencies wait in the wings, ready, willing and able to step in to help save the animal victims.

Who decides which lives are more important? Certainly, to those of us whose pets are part of our family, the answer is obvious - save our pets! Recent events, while tragic, have served to bring attention to the fact that animals must also be considered in disaster response efforts.

Many animal welfare organizations - such as the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States - are working with National Disaster Relief teams to establish better guidelines for animal rescue. Hopefully, should another natural disaster or other emergency occur, policies will be in place to allow emergency animal rescue teams immediate access to affected areas. In the meantime, pet owners should establish their own emergency preparedness plan.

Emergencies come in many different forms, and may require temporary absence from your home or permanent evacuation. There are several steps you can take to ensure your pet's safety.

1. Get an emergency alert sticker - sold in many pet stores, these stickers alert rescuers to the presence of animals in your house. Make sure to note how many cats, dogs, birds, etc. you have, and list your contact information along with your veterinarian's.
2. Arrange for a safe haven - plan ahead & know which kennels, motels and/or friends you and/or your pets can stay with in the event of an emergency. Remember, Red Cross shelters do not allow pets, so you need to make arrangements for your pet's safety.
3. Emergency Supplies & Traveling Kits - keep an emergency kit readily available, in your car or near an exit to your home. Include: a first aid kit, medications your pet may be taking, food (dry or canned - use pop tops or include a can opener), dishes, water, litter tray & litter, towels, blankets, leashes and a flashlight, at the least. You may also want to include a copy of your pet's medical records and photos of your pets, should you get separated. *Remember, food & medicines may expire and should be replaced periodically.
4. Alternate Caregivers - in case something happens to you or you are out of town when an emergency occurs, arrange for alternate caregivers to take care of your pet during a crisis. These should be people you trust to put your pet's needs first, and with whom your pet is familiar.
5. Evacuation Preparation - have an escape route planned and your emergency supplies readily available. Make sure your pets are wearing ID tags &/or are microchipped. At the first signs of an emergency, bring pets inside and start putting your emergency plan in place, should evacuation become necessary.
6. Disaster-Specific Considerations - during the past 15 years the North Coast has experienced earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters, and most recently a tsunami warning. Consider where your house is located and take precautions appropriately. Are you in a flood zone? Identify higher ground nearby, such as in your attic, your neighbor's house or up the hill on the other side of town. Consider how you are going to transport your animals to the designated safe location.

Disasters may occur with or without warning. Don't let your pets suffer the fate of many of the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. Make your pet's safety a priority - be prepared!

Bless the Beasts will be sponsoring a training for pet owners and animal caretakers on Emergency Animal Rescue Services (EARS). Learn to help care for animals during an emergency. For more information contact the Sequoia Humane Society at 442-1782.