Originally posted by Graeblyn
I wouldn't evacuate without taking my pets with me, unless they were being taken to a seperate shelter at the same time. I think that people who think that is foolish should still respect that mindset, and make provisions for pets, if for no other reason then to save more people who otherwise will not evacuate.

Actually, I think Katrina will result in a general major reform in our disaster planning processes. Sadly, Americans don't seem to summon the will to address problems until after the worst possible consequence of our inaction occurs.
While I understand that you love your pets and all that I think this is complete bull shit.

You want to risk rescue workers lives, tax payers dollars, the time involved in dealing with you that could have been spent on people who COULD NOT evacuate all because of your pet?

Fuck that. A dog, cat, hamster, giraffe is absolutely no reason to risk your life and the lives of others as well as all the other resources needed to deal with the result of your refusal to leave them behind. And "should still respect the mindset" is a very egotistical way of seeing the situation. You could die as a result of not leaving. Others could die as a result of your not leaving. Your mindset doesn't mean shit to a flood. It doesn't go from door to door to ask if it should respect you and your neighbors mindsets.