Dear Sinéad, Siouxsie and Thomas:
My humans have been watching the news about the big storm that's hurt so many people and animals. They know that lots of other humans are helping people, and they've done their part there, too. But they want to know what they can do to help the animals who have been left homeless by the storm, too. There is so much information out there, and they know there are a lot of mean people who'll take advantage of people's desire to help and make what they call Scams. Do you know what my humans can do to help, and what organizations are legitimate?

Thank you, guys!
~Jambalaya the cat (and my dog brother Rico)

p.s. As you may have guessed from my name, my humans adopted me when they lived in Louisiana. They still have friends there, so they're even more anxious to help in any way they can!

Sinéad: We're so glad you asked, Jambalaya! We've been doing everything we can to help the animals, too, and we've been keeping up with the news on what groups are helping out the animals.

Siouxsie: First of all, there are a number of groups that are rescuing animals that have been stranded and bringing them to safe shelter. The Houston SPCA has rescued hundreds of animals from the Louisiana SPCA and is offering free boarding and care for animals of families from the worst-affected areas, as well as those staying at the Houston Astrodome. They need monetary donations to assist in the care of these animals, and they have a big wish list of items that they hope Houston residents will bring to the shelter as well.

Thomas: The Best Friends Animal Society has disaster teams on the ground in Mississippi and Louisiana. They also need donations to help in their rescue and caring operations.

Sinéad: The Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana has set up emergency shelter and veterinary treatment facilities at the Louisiana State University campus in Shreveport, as well as in other locations. They are in need of donations and volunteers.

Siouxsie:Hugs for Homeless Animals is working to help the animals affected by Hurricane Katrina. They are asking for monetary donations. If you have more knitting, crocheting or sewing talent than you have money, consider making some blankets for the organization's Snuggles Project -- providing warm blankets for shelter animals.

Thomas: The American Humane Association, Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA have disaster relief teams on the ground in Louisiana and Mississippi, providing shelter and care for the animals abandoned by the storm.

Sinéad:Noah's Wish, an organization whose entire mission revolves around rescuing animals in times of disasters, is also hard at work in the disaster area. They have set up an emergency shelter near Heritage Park in Slidell, Louisiana, and are caring for animals from that area.

Siouxsie: The Cat Fanciers Association Disaster Relief Team has a mobile clinic in Mississippi. Their clinic is equipped for triage, vet care, and possibly even surgery if necessary.

Thomas: The United Animal Nations has disaster relief teams in Monroe, Louisiana; Gonzalez, Louisiana (apparently the hardest-hit area); and Jackson, Mississippi. They are coordinating with the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Colorado-based Code 3 Associates, and several of the other organizations mentioned above, to make sure that the animal rescue goes as smoothly as possible. They also have a downloadable list of temporary shelters, a place to report lost pets, and a pet loss grief support hotline.

Sinéad: The American Veterinary Medical Association had a team in place in Alabama before the hurricane even hit; and as soon as the storm came aground, they began mobilizing teams to send to Baton Rouge to help state authorities, as well as to Jackson, Mississippi; New Orleans; and other hard-hit areas.

Siouxsie: Some organizations are asking for people willing to open their homes to foster animals. The Louisiana State University Veterinary School in Baton Rouge has asked that anyone who can provide a temporary home for an animal please let them know. They are willing to arrange transportation just about anywhere. For more information or to offer your space, contact Lynda V. at: (203) 515 3024 (cell), (203) 227 5308, or e-mail her at Lynda@portone.com.

Thomas:Community Animal Rescue Adoption (CARA) of Clinton, Mississippi, is also asking for donations of money and food, as well as for people willing to provide foster care for animals. If you wish to make a donation to CARA, please send it to CARA, Inc., PO Box 231, Clinton, MS 39060. CARA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and your donations will be tax-deductible.

Sinéad: And of course, we're doing everything we can, too. If you want to do some holiday shopping early, we're donating all proceeds from the Paws and Effect Boutique at CafePress on sales through Friday, Sept. 23, to Noah's Wish and the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana. It's a great way to help the animal survivors and spread the word about Paws and Effect!

Siouxsie: We'd be glad to spread the word about any other organizations looking for foster homes for animals, donations for rescue, and all that good stuff. So please, don't hesitate to let us know about these things.

Thomas: Thank you so much to all the humans out there who are helping our animal friends in their time of need. You are doing wonderful work, and we're so grateful that you care!

Sinéad: We hope that helps your humans, Jambalaya ... and any other humans who want to donate to the rescue effort.

Got a question? Need some advice? E-mail us at advice@paws-and-effect.com. None of the material in this column is meant to be a substitute for regular veterinary care.