Just wanted to let you know that you won't be seeing me for a few days, and to explain why I haven't been around much in the last few.
The night Hurricane Sandy slammed into the Northeastern coast of the US, I sat and cried as I watched the images on my computer screen. You may have seen me. It was very traumatic for me to watch all of this, while receiving tweets and facebook updates from people who were actually caught in this superstorm, and didn't know if they were going to make it.
Most traumatic of all for me were my friends who, like me, are animal rescuers, and who were not only fighting to save their own lives and the lives of their families, but the lives of the animals they have pledged to care for and protect.
Now, in the aftermath, these same people, many who have lost everything of their own, are on the ground helping the animals displaced by Sandy, caring for them and giving them as much as they can to make their lives more comfortable.
In addition, they are seeking out others, either rescues or those who have pets, who have run out of resources of their own to care for them, and they are rushing these wonderful people the supplies they need to take care of themselves and the animals they love.
Sitting here in the South, I felt pretty comfortable. It was chilly outside, but I was warm. The gas is on, the lights are on, if I want a cup of hot tea, all I have to do is go into the kitchen and make it.
So I decided I needed to do something. I partnered with another rescue and we started getting the word out that we were going to collect supplies here then head north with them, to a warehouse in New Jersey where a coalition of animal rescues are staging their relief effort.
We held an event at a local store, and got a good response for this rural area with supplies...raised a little money, but not much. But then the emails started flooding in from up and down I-85 and I-95...if I would stop on the way, there was more supplies, and more money waiting for me to pick up and take to the people and animals in need.
So yesterday I picked up a 26' truck that was practically donated to us by Penske. Please use these wonderful folks if you need a truck, to thank them for their generosity. I have to admit to some nervousness...I haven't driven anything this big except to move a few miles since I was a very young adult, when I used to work for my Uncle some. 1450 total miles is a little intimidating. But I'm going to do it.
So you won't see me for a few days. I'll be on the interstate, flying north to help people who don't even care about their own situations, as long as they can help the animals they care so much about.
But think about me, just for a sec...and then think about those that are sitting there, realizing how fast it can all go away... and maybe say a little prayer of thanksgiving, in this month of thanksgiving.
And if you'd like to make a little donation to help, you can go to www.humane.pro, and click on the Donate button. Be sure to specify for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. I promise you, every single penny is going to them.
See you on the flip side..........
Viddy
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