Remember animals in emergency plan

Re New Orleans: City of holdouts Sept. 8.

I sincerely hope that when disaster recovery and emergency evacuation plans are being drawn up for this city, the powersbear in mind the deep bond that unites people with their pets by incorporating a humane and intelligent way of ensuring the safety of companion animals, too.

For those of us who care deeply about animals in general, or have been personally touched by the companionship of a special animal, it is easy to understand why so many Gulf Coast residents have stayed behind and have refused to be evacuated without their pets. Emergency planning has to be inclusive and compassionate. One can assist from a distance by donating to the animal welfare agencies whose volunteers are now working tirelessly to rescue hungry and confused animals who were, no doubt, reluctantly abandoned. Victoria White, Toronto