“Snowball, snowball,” he cried until he vomited.

Adeline Perkins carries her dog, Princess, as Lynell Batiste carries Timmy through the flood waters from their Lacombe, La., home on Monday. (AP) The HSUS Nat’l Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) has been preparing for a massive response to Hurricane Katrina [since] last week. But the aftermath effects of the storm, and flooding…r, continue to frustrate rescue efforts trying to reach the areas with the most losses. HSUS response units are in Jackson, Mississippi, and the western edge of the impact area, coordinating … and ready to move into the worst-hit regions to respond to the hundreds of pleas for help from pet owners. HSUS teams recommend people with stranded pets continue trying to contact local authorities. More than 30 experienced HSUS rescue staff and volunteers trained in animal rescue from 12 states are coordinating with state officials, federal agencies, and other rescue organizations to evacuate animals … They’ll also begin establishing pet-friendly shelters and delivering supplies, resources and medical assistance.

“At the front of the line, the weary refugees waded through ankle-deep water, grabbed a bottle of water from state troopers and happily hopped on buses that would deliver them from the horrendous conditions of the Superdome.

“At the back end of the line, people jammed against police barricades in the rain. Refugees passed out and had to be lifted hand-over-hand overhead to medics.

“Pets were not allowed on the bus, and when a police officer confiscated a little boy’s dog, the child cried until he vomited. ‘Snowball, snowball,’ he cried.” (AP)

Don’t forget the animals. On MSNBC’s Countdown, I see European and other tourists squatting in an apartment with three dogs, almost out of water and dog food. (They said rich people filled their SUVs with luggage and left town, refusing to give anyone a ride.) I see a man in a row boat with two dogs — he is crying in despair because no larger boat will stop and pick him up. Video: How HSUS’s disaster teams help pets and people. “Are you prepared for disaster? Take HSUS’s quiz.” Donate to HSUS’s emergency fund.

CAPTION: Jonathan Harvey rescues his dog Cuddles in Gulfport, Miss. on Monday. (AP Photo). Where are you now, Jonathan and Cuddles? Are you safe? Are you alive? Will anyone help you?
Update [2005-9-1 21:33:26 by susanhu]: Just received this. This is great — PETA is devoted to informing people BEFORE disaster strikes on how to protect their companion animals and livestock. And they have a video featuring William Shatner on what to do to help save your animals.

We need your help TODAY to prevent the needless suffering and deaths of animals who are in danger from natural disasters like Katrina.

Before the hurricane hit, PETA was able to save countless animals in the region through our Animal Emergency Fund by working with local media outlets to alert residents to the impending threat and to provide them with vital information to keep their companion animals safe during the evacuation and storm.

Sadly, many people did not heed or receive this vital message and left their animal companions behind in harm’s way.

Please support PETA’s critical work to distribute our acclaimed disaster public service announcements, which provide people with the all the information and resources they need to be responsible animal guardians when a hurricane or any sort of other disaster looms.