No Pet Left Behind...

Although I live in Florida - where this time of year brings ominous forewarnings of "Be prepared for the next Katrina!" - there are many other natural disasters besides hurricanes that create evacuation conditions.

Therefore, this is a not-so-gentle reminder: Please don't even think about leaving your pets behind as you waltz out the door to seek safe haven. Because, odds are, they will not be okay when - or if - you return.

So take the time now to always have an "emergency evacuation" kit prepared for them: Crates (if needed), collars/leashes, food/medications, IDs/vet records, blankets/toys.

And if you can't find lodging that will accept your pets - be it a friend/relative, motel/hotel, public shelter - do what I would do in a heartbeat: Put 'em in the car with you and the rest of your family and drive out of harm's way. So what if you might have to sleep in your vehicle at a rest stop? So what if you're displaced for a few days? So what?

Bottom line: Come hell or high water, Maggie goes where we go. Please do the same for yours...