Groups ranging from the Petfinder Foundation to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society are working to assist pets injured or lost in tornadoes Monday that killed at least two dozen people.The Petfinder Foundation and Central Oklahoma Humane Society request donations after Oklahoma tornadoes, while veterinarians and a distributor pitch in as well. newsline Groups ranging from the Petfinder Foundation to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society are working to assist pets injured or lost in tornadoes Monday that killed at least two dozen people. The natural disaster, which ravaged a wide area south of Oklahoma City, also moved medical products distributor Henry Schein Inc. to open a hot line serving veterinarians, dentists and physicians. The Central Oklahoma Humane Society website today asked for donations of towels, paper towels, bleach, gloves and crates. The organization, based in nearby Oklahoma City, reported that it is helping to receive, assess and shelter animals affected by the tornado. "Our staff and volunteers are working to ensure that these animals receive necessary care as they find their way home,” OK Humane stated. Information on how the public can help OK Humane is available on its website. Monetary donations also may be made. Petfinder Foundation, based in Tucson, Ariz., reported that the Moore Animal Shelter lost power. "Its four staff members have been working with almost no sleep to pick up the hundreds of lost pets roaming the city,” Petfinder blogger Emily Fromm wrote today. "They have set up three temporary holding areas, at locations such as the county fairgrounds, where displaced dogs are being held so their owners can locate them,” Fromm added. "The shelter has not taken in any displaced cats yet but expects to as the days go on.” Shelter staff members have recovered many injured animals. "They’re covered in mud and insulation,” shelter manager Vanna Conway told Fromm, "but they’re breathing.” Local veterinarians are helping with medical care, Conway added. The Petfinder Foundation also is accepting donations for Oklahoma tornado victims. Meanwhile, Henry Schein, based in Melville, N.Y., opened the Disaster Relief Hotline for customers who suffered operational, logistical or financial problems because of the tornado. The phone line, 800-999-9729, is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. "When this kind of natural disaster occurs, it is imperative that we do all we can to help those impacted by such a tragedy,” said Stanley Bergman, chairman and CEO of Henry Schein. "We encourage practitioners to call our hot line so that we can assist in their recovery as quickly as possible.” The company is donating health care products to disaster relief organizations. The Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association also is accepting donations. <HOME>
