Floods in Iowa: Somebody learned the lesson of Katrina
By Gina Spadafori
June 13, 2008
I’m trying to get information on how to help people and pets in Cedar Rapids and other hard-hit parts of Iowa. But one silver lining is that officials now understand that animals have to be part of rescue response, if for no other reason than that people will put their own lives at risk to protect their pets.
That’s why I’m really impressed to see that of this writing (5 p.m. PT) the City of Cedar Rapids has information on where to take animals for sheltering, and it’s the second item on their home page, which has been turned into emergency-response central.
If you have information on how to help, please post.
And say a prayer for our friends in Iowa.
This came through on one of my lists a few hours ago
I really don’t care if AKC is getting “props” for helping or not, although I am pleased to hear they are helping.
The important thing here is the contact numbers and info
From: “Scot Northern”
Permission to cross post as needed….
I just got off the phone with Mark Schearer, head of the IOWA VETERINARY
RAPID RESPONSE TEAM [(515) 281-5798].
He indicated that they have been working with the AKC Disaster Relief
Dept(Lisa Peterson). I believe he said that the AKC would be sending them
SEVERAL HUNDRED crates and kennels to assist with the pet shelters in the
Cedar Rapids area. Truly amazing! He couldnt say enough good things
about the AKC!!!!
But, that doesnt mean everything is done. They are going to be in dire
need of volunteers to help with the Linn County animals that are pouring
into the Kirkwood Equine Ceneter in Cedar Rapids. Projections indicate
that
there will be OVER 800 located at that site…and my guess would be that
the latest round of storms may push it up to 1000.
With the Cedar Rapids Shelter being a total loss…Kirkwood will
serve for the next several months as a base of operations.
If you would like to volunteer to help, please call the Operations Center
in Des Moines. 515-323-4267
The Des Moines Disaster team is coordinating the volunteer effort so that
the folks at the Kirkwood can focus on the dozens of cats, dogs, horses,
etc that are coming in EVERY HOUR! Its a rate of 25 per hour…
I did not get the Johnson County information as he was called away to an
emergency briefing to discuss the violent storms that are heading our way
tonight. I’ll forward that as I get it.
Once again, volunteers are needed at the Kirkwood Community College Equine
center…call 515-323-4267 to help. It is critical that when you signin
at Kirkwood, that you sign in as IVRRT. That way you are covered as a
“temp” employee of the state of Iowa for insurance purposes.
Hug your hounds, unfortunatly it is going to get worse before it gets
better. We got 4 more inches of rain today.
Scot Northern
President - Cedar Rapids Kennel Association
Comment by JenniferJ — June 13, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
I saw on the news tonight that they were dedicating a boat for pet rescue (they didn’t want people entering the flood waters and understand pets may be in homes). I’m not sure which location it was though.
Jennifer, do you have a link so we can check to see what needs they have or where to send items? I have a connection that can send fleece throws to animal and human shelters. They’re production samples and a couple of our animal shelters here get them along with some human charities :)
Comment by straybaby — June 13, 2008 @ 7:47 pm
Hi- the Minnesota VMA sent out this email to members this afternoon:
“There are an estimated 800 animals being housed on an emergency shelter basis at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. These animals were evacuated along with their owners due to rising flood waters in that area. Volunteers are needed to do everything from admit animals to clean cages. Pet food donations, shoe boxes to use as kitty beds/ temp litter pans and pharmaceutical supplies are also needed, particularly topical flea preventatives (Cap star, etc.) and drugs to treat URI (Doxycycline and Terramycin ointment preferred, but anything is better than nothing!). For more information or to drop off donations, please contact Christy Petersen at 515/ 294-9013 or kalicat@iastate.edu or call the IVRRT at 515/323-4267.”
Comment by Megan — June 13, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
“Jennifer, do you have a link so we can check to see what needs they have or where to send items? I have a connection that can send fleece throws to animal and human shelters. They’re production samples and a couple of our animal shelters here get them along with some human charities :)”
Unfortunately that is all I have. Hopefully someone will be answering (and able to answer) the phones at the numbers provided
Comment by JenniferJ — June 13, 2008 @ 9:10 pm
Hello,
One of the posts above referenced an email I sent with contact info.
Here is an update as of 6/17/2008
Kirkwood Community College, in Cedar Rapids, currently has about 500 displaced animals, with a projected estimate of 1000.
Johnson County Fairgrounds has several dozen, and is projecting between 100-200.
If you wish to send supplies, please call the Iowa Vet Rapid Response Team Operations Center
in Des Moines. 515-323-4267
They can direct you as to where to send supplies. Currently, both shelters are in need of blankets, dog beds, sheets, towels, cleaning supplies, and food/water bowls.
Petsmart Charities, the AKC Disaster Relief Fund, and Science Diet Dog Food have gone above and beyond in their support and donations. Each of these organizations have sent truck loads of supplies and food.
We can never thank them enough!
Scot Northern
President - Cedar Rapids Kennel Association
Comment by Scot Northern — June 17, 2008 @ 7:30 am
Scott … thank you!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — June 17, 2008 @ 7:53 am