RedRover Workshop

Firstly, I want to thank Del, Daphanie, Shirley & JeAnne for attending with me! 

I have been posting a bit about this Workshop for the past month or so.  RedRover is a Sacramento California based organization.  RedRover's Mission "is to bring animals out of crisis and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education.  RedRover accomplishes its mission by engaging volunteers and supports, collaborating with others and maximizing the use of online technology.  

RedRover has four main campaigns, programs and publications:

1. RedRover Responders:  Through its volunteer-driven RedRover Responders, RedRover shelters and cares for animals displaced by natural disasters and other crises, such as criminal seizures and hoarding cases, in the US and Canada
2. RedRover Relief:  This program provides funding to Good Samaritans, animal rescuers, non-profit organizations and pet owners to help them care for animals in life-threatening situations in the US
3. RedRover Readers:  This unique community based literacy program is aligned with academic content standards and helps children explore the bond between people and animals through stories and discussion.  RedRover Readers volunteer to visit elementary school classrooms, after-school programs and animal shelters and other venues to read to children and lead discussions - helping children develop critical thinking skills and empathy
4. RedRover Reporters:  RedRover offers financial incentives to encourage those who witness animal cruelty to come forward with information that could lead to arrest and conviction.  

Our 2005 Federal Flood taught/reinforced rescue organizations and other states the importance to make sure a chain of command is established and that each organization follows that chain of command to make the rescue as smooth and effective as possible.  I was very impressed to see this, especially after having lived the reality that was Lamar/Dixon.

Yesterday, the trainer and some attendees spoke more about supporting hording deployments vs Natural Disaster deployments.  One such case was "Caboodle Ranch" in Jacksonville, Florida.  RedRover Responders were only told that they would be helping with hundreds of neglected animals and that it would be a criminal seizure but details of the deployment were kept secret for confidentiality and to prevent the owner from discovering that the authorities would shortly arrive to rescue all of the animals from the property.  RedRover Responders joined the lead agency, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at the request of the Madision County Sheriff's Office and Madison County Animal Control.  Upon arrival, rescues quickly learned that this was a very large rescue - nearly 700 cats.  Read more about this case here...  It is heartbreaking but sadly, reality.  

It was a very interesting morning.  

One of the best parts of the day was having the opportunity to meet Renee Poirrier, D.V.M.  Dr. Poirrier is on the Louisiana State Animal Response Team.  They have been involved in everything from flooding, hurricanes to the Gulf Oil Spill.  

WHO WE ARE:

LSART is an organization of groups and individuals with an interest in animal well-being related to emergencies or disasters. Veterinarians, animal control officers, humane organizations, and citizen volunteers make up LSART's membership list.

WHAT WE DO:

LSART makes resources available to parishes for emergency planning, response and recovery.
LSART assists local jurisdictions in planning and preparing for all types of emergencies involving all animals.
LSART registers teams of volunteers in companion animal, equine and food animal sections.
LSART provides training in NIMS, ICS, evacuation protocols, shelter management and other aspects of emergency planning.
LSART provides community public information and messaging for emergency preparedness.
LSART responds to emergencies by assisting with evacuation, sheltering, and search and rescue.

LSART is constantly looking for volunteers and I am spoke with Renee about hosting a workshop for them on the East Bank of NOLA.  I will keep you posted on that.  

Have a great day y'all and thanks so much for your willingness to step up and support.  It takes all of us!