When the water is rising and we dread the worst, we fear for our family, our friends, our future. For those who love their pets, there is no question that they are included in our definition of "family." So it saddens us greatly to learn that tens of thousands of family pets and valued farm animals were abandoned in the face of Hurricane Katrina.

There is no question that men, women and children come first in times of peril. It's just too bad that we haven't found a way to integrate The Humane Society into our disaster recovery efforts so families who lose so much don't have to lose their pets as well.

We all know the wonderful calming contribution animals can make to humans in times of stress and sadness. Many individuals, children especially, would have had a much-needed friend if they had not had to leave their pets behind.

But because so many animals had to be left behind to fend for themselves, their owners' sadness and depression only deepens as they think of their pets suffering and starving, alone and frightened.

Thank goodness for Humane Societies everywhere, including our own Middleburg Humane Society Volunteers who have gone to the hurricane region with tons of food and medical supplies for animal refugees. Thank goodness for the Navy Captain who allowed storm survivors seeking medical treatment to bring their pets aboard his aircraft carrier. Thank goodness for everyone who helps in such a terrible time.

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