Golden Girl Rue McClanahan Shines for Stranded Animals

When two hijacked airplanes slammed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, panicked residents of nearby apartment buildings fled the crashing debris and choking smoke. Many paused only to grab their shoes or wallets, not realizing that it would be days before they were allowed to return. Others were at work and returned home to find their entry barred by police.

PETA received dozens of calls from frantic New York City residents, desperate to retrieve animals who they feared were suffering from dehydration, hunger, smoke inhalation, trauma, or worse. Countless animals were orphaned in the attack, waiting behind closed apartment doors for loved ones who would never come home.

Rue McClanahan lives in New York City. She made a special appeal, begging building superintendents in New York and New Jersey to listen for sounds from dogs and cats and other animals who may have lost or become separated from their people in the disaster. “Supers are the ones who know who comes and goes. If someone hasn’t been back to their apartment, or if dogs who normally don’t bark or whine start doing so, please go in and give water and food and make a call on their behalf,” Ms. McClanahan wrote. “The dearly beloved animal family members of those who died must not become another part of the casualty toll.”

A special PETA rescue team sent up to New York in the wake of the blast was able to help reunite animals with their guardians. We plastered the area with “wanted” posters in order to gather information on animals whose guardians were missing. Thank you to everyone who pitched in to help. Your efforts saved lives and brought comfort to people who had already lost so much.

Saved
Monica Estrada called PETA the day of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster. She was desperate to get her dog, Ice Cube, out of her apartment building, which was located just a block from the WTC. The building was blocked off, and the Samoyed was alone in the dark, undoubtedly terrified by the day’s explosions.

A PETA staffer called Monica as soon as reports indicated that residents were allowed to retrieve their animals. Monica and her husband immediately rushed to the scene. They were stopped by countless police officers and had to provide photo identification with proof of address before a kindhearted firefighter volunteered to go into their apartment and retrieve lucky Ice Cube.

Monica tells PETA that the key to her success was her refusal to leave before she had Ice Cube safe in her arms.


You Can Help
Visit PETA’s disaster preparedness Web site at Helping Animals.com.

• Urge your local TV station to air PETA’s emergency public service announcement hosted by Rue McClanahan if disaster hits your area.

• Support PETA’s rescue efforts by donating to our Disaster Relief Fund.

Make Plans Now to Protect Your Animals in the Event of Disaster
Disasters often strike without warning.

Plan ahead to ensure your animals’ safety.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
• Find a way to take your animal(s) with you if humanly possible. (It may be a week or longer before you are allowed to return to your home if you are forced to evacuate, and if you have to get out, it is not safe for them to stay behind either.) Keep several days’ supply of food, a can opener, and feeding dishes in your car and at your office.

• Most relief shelters do not permit animals because of health regulations, so check with hotels to see if “no pet” policies have been lifted, which is sometimes the case during emergencies (almost all Motel 6s accept pets). If you are unable to find a hotel, try trusted friends, veterinarians, and boarding kennels.

• Always have ID on your animals (including both your permanent and temporary addresses and phone numbers).

• Dogs should be leashed and harnessed while in transit during an emergency (they may slip out of a collar if they become panicked). Carry cats in sturdy carriers so they cannot escape and become lost if there is frightening noise. Bring blankets or towels to cover carriers and keep out noise and debris.

• Never turn animals loose, tie them outside, or leave them in an unattended vehicle during an emergency.

• If you must leave animals behind, leave out at least one week’s supply of water and dry food. Buy large self-feeding and
-watering bowls now to keep on hand in emergencies. Fill every bowl and pan you can find with water and set them on the floor throughout the house; do not leave just one container—it may spill. If your toilet bowl is free of chemical disinfectants, leave the toilet seat up as an extra source of water.


• If you can’t get to your animals, ask a reliable neighbor or friend to check on them and get them out if possible.
Provide specific care instructions.