another way to help those in need

[Guest guest]

Dear NaturaClub members,

The senseless tragedy this past week has affected us all in unimaginable ways.

The human suffering and loss is beyond comprehension. But amidst the

destruction, there is another crisis that goes on quietly and unseen; the crisis

facing companion animal victims. Some are pets that have been left behind by

owners that will not be coming home; some are the family companions of people

who cannot get back to their homes in the evacuation area of Lower Manhattan.

The ASPCA of New York has urged friends and family of missing persons with pets

to seek out these dogs, cats, birds, and other animals and insure that they are

cared for.

More in the public eye are the search and rescue team dogs that are working

tirelessly along side their human partners in the rescue and recovery operation

going on right now. In their loyal efforts to find survivors, they are

vulnerable to paw injuries from sharp debris, and also eye irritation and

respiratory stress from the heavy dust. They need the very best nutrition to

combat fatigue and stress.

Natura Pet Products and its family of dealers and distributors in and near the

disaster sites are doing what they can to provide needed supplies and pet food

both to the displaced pets and the search and rescue team dogs. Bennie

of Pet Reps Inc., Mt. Laurel NJ, our Eastern U.S. Sales Manager, is currently

working with the Salvation Army, the ASPCA, and the American Red Cross to fill

as many needs as possible. Natura has provided relief support in the form of

large quantities of Innova and California Natural food. Merritt Goldstein and

Malone of Earth Animal Natural Pet Care, in Westport, CT, provided

natural eyewash for dust relief, anti-stress herbal remedies, Natura foods, and

cash support from their customers. They also helped to find much needed boots to

protect search dogs feet. Randy and Phil Klein of Whiskers Holistic Pet Care,

long time Natura dealers in Lower Manhattan, have worked directly with rescue

team dog handlers to provide Natura foods and other assistance. Gil Beck of

Sport N Life, Stamford CT, Natura's distributor for New York City and

Connecticut, is providing crucial warehousing and trucking support to deliver

pet food to the affected areas.

There are ways in which you too, as people dedicated to the health and happiness

of dogs and cats, can offer assistance to these silent victims and heroes. The

ASPCA has set up a command center equipped with a mobile veterinary medical

unit, emergency medical supplies, pet carriers, pet food, and a psychologist

trained to help distressed pet owners. The center is located at the corner of

Houston Street and West Street at Pier 40. The purpose of the command center is

to assist pet owners with stranded pets and provide medical care to animals. The

ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division has coordinated their effort with the New

York City Parks Department to gain access to buildings during daylight hours.

They have also set up a Disaster Relief Fund.

" The ASPCA Animal Disaster Relief Fund is specifically dedicated to aid animal

victims, and the people who love them, of the tragedy in New York City. Since it

is difficult to know what day-to-day needs will be for the next several weeks,

giving to this fund is a great way to make a difference.

For anyone wishing to make donations, call ext 4515 or 4516 to

make a donation by phone. You can also make a secure donation online by going to

their web site and follow the links. http://www.aspca.org/

If you prefer, you can mail your donation by sending a check to " The ASPCA

Animal Disaster Relief Fund " , 424 East 92nd Street, NY NY 10128.

Together we will triumph. God Bless America. "

http://www.naturapet.com

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