Volume 5, Number 10
Publisher: Guerrero Ink
Online: http://www.guerreroink.com
Copyright © 2007 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved.
Content may not be reproduced without permission.
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October News & Tips
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
2. Discussion for the Month
3. Critter Chronicles
4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
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September was a stressful month. For those of you who don’t know, I live in the little town of Fawnkin, California. You might recognize the name since we made national news due to the Butler Fires.

The first hit town Labor Day weekend. I left my home to stay on my friend’s ranch when I saw the smoke on the ridge across from my home. The main highway was closed and with all the tourists, I didn’t want to wake up for an evacuation and be stressed by the inability to get out of here.

The Butler II Fire started in the afternoon of the 14th and increased drastically due to the lack of humidity and high winds. In the end, the fire consumed 14,039 acres but spared my town—but not before we were evacuated. I went to my pal’s ranch again and then to Super Zoo in Las Vegas, Nevada. It should have been fun but I was not excited about it.

Evacuation is stressful and coming back is a relief but it takes time to settle in again…especially since there are areas that are still burning. If you want to read more and see pictures visit the September archives at http://www.fawnskinflyer.com

Anyway, when I submitted my animal disaster preparedness article for one of my recent columns in a local magazine, my editor wrote me saying she hoped we wouldn’t need the information. Sadly, we did.

The problem around these parts is that animals were not included in the county disaster planning. I was able to help the Incident Command Center by providing useful information and contacts—and was promised they would work on it in the future to avoid the same problems in any other disasters.

The other interesting thing that happened prior to these fires was that in August, the University of Kansas asked me for a copy of my “Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals.” It has not been updated since 1999 and their request prompted me to update the booklet—so it was ready and I’ll be doing a teleseminar on the same topic shortly.

Synchronicity? Maybe so, I certainly took steps that I hope helped a bunch of people. I am no longer on the forefront of the animal disaster field but I hope you will find useful information on animal disaster preparedness in this newsletter.

Please take steps to prepare yourselves and your pets so that you will be less stressed in the event of a disaster—which I hope you will never have to experience.

Have a great month and thanks for your continued support.
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2. Discussion for the Month
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When I first became involved in animal disaster preparedness and rescue little concern existed outside of a handful of people. Hurricane Katrina finally convinced everyone else what I had known for more than 15 years…that planning must include animals because people won’t leave without them. After a disaster, tragically few lost pets are returned to their owners.

What Hurricane Katrina did was get the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (known as PETS) implemented so that animals are now included in emergency service plans. Today every state is stepping up to handle animals during a crisis. It is actually a relief for me to see the progress because I was at the forefront of the movement about fifteen years ago.

My roles in the field included developing one of the first animal rescue kit prototypes, writing a handbook for animal disaster preparedness, contributing material and editing a book on crisis management for zoos and other animal facilities, working with the California Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association on documents and programs related to mitigation and rescue, presenting educational programs for groups such as the Humane Society of the United States, and working with groups such as the United Animal Nations Emergency Animal Rescue Service and others. When it came time to build the Animal Planet Rescue Rig, I was part of the team called in to build it.

So when I say that animal disaster preparedness is important to not only your pet, but you and your family, and the community—I want you to take me seriously. Today, more than 63% of American households now have pets and most of those homes are not prepared for a crisis. Are you?

Most residents in the mountains of San Bernardino have been lucky, but there is a false bravado over fire danger. Mountain folks naively think they can safely stay and fight. That is a bad idea. Not only do you place excess stress on the rescue personnel, you also place yourself and your animals at risk…and don’t forget the worry you bring to your family.

Fire is not the only danger around these parts but if we get hit by a large fire again, the risks escalate with comprised air quality, debris, and shortage of resources. Disasters knock out supply channels and utilities. Fuel will be scarce—not necessarily because of demand but because the pumps won’t work if the power gets knocked out.

So, what do you need to prepare? Plan ahead! Locally check that you have Community Emergency Rescue Teams, Fire Safe Councils, and other groups that address the human and community issues and find those that help with animals.

Animal friendly accommodations are a must--so seek out locations from 50 to 100 miles away. In addition, have a pet carrier and a kit that contains animal supplies so you can take off at short notice. Under stress you’ll forget what you need and may not have the time to gather it. In addition, if an evacuation occurs you will not be allowed back in. Let me repeat, once you leave you won’t be allowed back until the danger is over.

In Critter Chronicles you will find a listing of items needed in a pet kit for canines or felines. However, I want to emphasize that all pets should have an ID tag on at all times and a microchip identification number implantation is another good idea. Believe it or not, the physical ID is what gets an animal back home.

A pet carrier or travel cage is critical and should be kept on hand as they won’t be available at the last minute. Felines can be evacuated in a cardboard carrier built for veterinary visits but a collapsible wire crate is usually the best because it does not get too hot and allows better ventilation in rescue holding areas.

Have a question? Drop me a line for the next issue.
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3. Critter Chronicles
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Dog & Cat Evacuation Kit Suggested Items

-Collar with emergency tags (name, city, area code/phone, out of state contact and
veterinarians phone number)
-tattoo or microchip
-medication (Include 30 days for your dog or cat if they are on meds.)
-photos (Front and side views for posters if lost)
-copy of medical records
-pre-made poster for missing animal(s) to attach photos to,
-container of food to last for 7 to 30 days (dry or wet)
-nutritional paste (to stimulate appetite and compensate for stress)
-water (five-year shelf life recommended)
-Containers for water: Old cat litter plastic jugs or a dispenser that fills with
inverted 2 liter bottles
-Favorite treats (they can be used for desensitization training)
-collar/harness and leash
-tie out and/or carrier
-food and water bowls
-brush or comb (calms you, calms them)
-pooper scoop
-baggies
-litter
-litterbox (folded cardboard box lined with plastic)
-familiar toy, catnip, chews, owner scent on them is a plus
-muzzle (for volunteer/veterinarian/your safety)
-deodorizer (for litter and surfaces)
-first aid kit (check with your veterinarian)
-flotation device or aids.

Optional items: Eye ointment (dust) eyewash, Betadine or Provodine, Hydrogen Peroxide, scissors, razor, gauze and tape, stop bleed powder, Biosol or pet pectillin (for diarrhea), no shed liquid, ear swabs, hemostats, tweezers, flea collar and aids, heartworm medication.

There are always other things you can include. Create this kit in something you can just grab & go and that can also be used to carry or store water. Bakery buckets or large plastic buckets with lids and handles work well. Be sure to also include a waterproof marker and paper.

Take the time on your next shopping trip to prepare your pets—and don’t forget to prepare your kits while you are at it.
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4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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Group dog training, puppy preschool, kitty kindergarten, and pet parenting classes will begin each month through September. Puppy Club & Canine Club schedules are not included here as the times and dates change. Please sign up for the client list or call (800) 818-7387 to make your reservations.

Our teleclasses are being recorded. If you miss one—don’t fret—they will be for sale online shortly. Here is the link to the Introduction to Animal Behavior & Training: http://www.instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=610122

Want to get the latest on the book? Visit:
http://www.blessingoftheanimals.com/blog_book_buzz.html

October 3, 2007
Training Class 6 (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

October 4-5, 2007
Temecula, CA

October 6, 2007
Many Paths Bookstore & Blessing
North Hollywood, CA

October 8-November 5, 2007
Doggie Boot Camp
Big Bear Lake, CA

October 10, 2007
Training Class 7 (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

October 13, 2007
Rescue Me Sanctuary Fundraiser (Noon-3:00pm)
Outlaw BBQ
Big Bear Lake, CA

October 17, 2007
Training Class 8 (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

Thanks for your continued support and suggestions
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Have a great month and stay tuned!
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Copyright © 2007 by Diana L. Guerrero
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40729 Village Drive Suite 8
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