From Paul Berry: We had two teams out on boats on Thursday. Troy Snow has written about his crew in an earlier posting. Ours was similar, so I’ll keep this brief.

Our team was me and Dr. Debbie Rykoff DVM. Also aboard and helping out was a crew from the Salt Lake Tribune. Leah Hogsten took photos for the Trib and gave these to us. (Thanks, Leah.)

The thing I want to say is simply that there are thousands upon thousands of animals stuck out here, on car roofs, on porches, cats on roofs of houses. We saw no other animal rescue orgs anywhere. I know they’re all doing good work on the peripheries … but, oh man … you see and hear these fluff pieces on TV of people being reunited with their pets, and you look around out here on the boats at this vast, endless wasteland of toxic water and animals hanging on, 11 days after the hurricane, and their time is running out.

The only other boat we saw yesterday was an airboat from Fish & Game. They were scouting the ground behind. Rumors are they’re beginning to shoot the animals today. I believe these stories are now true. That’s what’s going to be happening.

These animals only have days at most, and are clinging to life. They are the forgotten ones. They’re emaciated, starved, dehydrated. Literally “water water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” Dr. Debbie revives them in the boat as they start to lose consciousness. Gives them fluids. All those we took yesterday have survived.

Keep us in your prayers,

Paul.

Best Friends Hurricane Relief Special Reports blogs are intended to encourage friendly discussion around the animals and the disaster.

In order to keep this a positive and constructive blog, we will remove messages that do not follow our guidelines: terms and conditions. We will also remove posts that encourage activities that will potentially harm the animals or the people involved in the aftermath of the hurricane.

September 24, 2005 : 10:56 PM ET
posted by: michele's World

Infor for farm animals in need___September 24, 2005 : 9:35 PM ET posted by: Lindy gianna59 --- The Horse Gazette has emergency layup facilities for horse owners in Texas. Check out its online listings.

Habitat for Horses or Lone Star Equine Rescue can also assist. You can check out their web sites or call them. The phone number for Habitat for Horses is (409) 935-0277, and the number for Lone Star Equine Rescue is (817) 439-0412.

Here's another

We are aware of two websites that have listed Evacuation Sites for Horses due to Hurricane Rita:

1) http://lahg.net/EMERGENCY%20PAGES/STATE%20ASSISTANCE/texas.html

2) For additional Emergency Stabling locations in Texas, horsegazette.com listed the following information: We have some private Texas facilities willing to take in some horses if you have problems finding vacancies with our regular Emergency Listings. We have some private Texas facilities willing to take in some horses if you have problems finding vacancies with our regular Emergency Listings. Please call The Horse Gazette @ 210-641-9928

Posted by Greg Johnson at September 21, 2005 02:52 PM

September 24, 2005 : 9:40 PM ET posted by: michele's World gianna59 This one is in Texas but maybe they have contacts>>>>>>>

Large Animals (Livestock, Equine, etc.). Triage Center is being set up at Gateway, just south of Pebble Creek. Directional signs on the Highway. At that point(large animal side) livestock will be identified and directions will be given at that time.

The following people are also coordinating efforts to find shelters for large animals. Questions may also be directed to the following persons regarding large animal shelters:

1st Contact: Danny Williams 979-324-6269 2nd Contact: Doug Householder 979-777-2070 3rd Contact: Helen Treat 979-589-3184

September 21, 2005 : 11:57 PM ET
posted by: christinaB

Any news on whether the 8 dolphins were rescued? i know they found them, but i wonder if they transported them yet can you post a link to any news sites that would have the story... thank you

September 16, 2005 : 7:42 PM ET
posted by: goldenpets

Has anyone contacted any shelters in New Jersey or Pennsylvania? Or The NewJersey and Pennsylvania television stations? They have shows on each week about adopting and rescuing pets. I know most of these animals are someone's beloved pet but NJ and PA also have foster home programs.They also have some no kill shelters. What is wrong with Louisiana Governor? You can't just leave helpless, defenseless, hungry and scared animals to die - talk about animal cruelty. Isn't it considered animal cruelty when rescue organizaitons like Best Friends, ASPCA, an dother want to go in and rescue these animals. Why isn't the Governor getting help to all of you rescue organizations. Why isn't the President doing something. How would he feel if his beloved pets were stuck out there in water on a car top, or stuck in a room with no food or water. Where are all those wealthy people out there who own BIG boats and small motor boats???Why aren't they down there helping with the rescue?

September 15, 2005 : 5:13 PM ET
posted by: dragonspawn

THANK GOD FOR ALL OF YOU. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. LOVE NANCY BAZE nancyrinker@hotmail.com

September 15, 2005 : 3:14 AM ET
posted by: ChristinaB

CNN.com all 8 dolphins were found together and alive!! rescuers will train them into shallower water and to jump up on rubber mats so they can be transported into a saltwater tank. they are being fed several times a day.