Readers of OUR CATS will be familiar with the devastation and tragedy caused by the recent hurricane.

Both the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WASPA) are asking for donations to help the lost and abandoned pets.

The HSUS is leading a massive relief effort to rescue animals and assist their caregivers in the disaster areas. Highly trained Disaster Animal Response Teams are in New Orleans and Mississippi coordinating a multi-state animal rescue and recovery effort. They now have more than 250 people on the ground doing search-and-rescue and staffing temporary shelters, and have rescued thousands of animals from New Orleans and other areas - with many more needing help.

HSUS explain, "Our entire relief effort is funded by donations from people like you, and we desperately need your support.

Please make an emergency contribution to our Disaster Relief Fund today!" To send your gift by mail, please make your check payable to HSUS Disaster Relief Fund and mail it to HSUS, Dept. DRFHBM, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037.

Alternatively you can donate via the website http://secure.hsus.org/01/disaster_relief_fund_2005