Whenever there is a natural disaster that disrupts the lives of people, the lives of animals are turned upside down as well. Sadly, the very creatures that bring meaning and companionship to human lives often must be left behind when a disaster looms.
Rescue efforts to bring people to safety often are unable rescue pets as well. As a result, disaster victims must endure additional loss, anguish and heartbreak when they must leave a pet behind.
Animals are an integral part of our daily lives. Their lives are of great value to us when things are normal, and their safety is important to us when things go wrong, too. It is good to know that there are rescue groups who are experienced and prepared to deal with the needs of animal victims in addition to those who help human victims.
Why is it important to help animals in the face of such human tragedy as the calamity that is facing Japan right now?
Because the animals that we see in news footage wandering the streets after a disaster have names. God forbid that those names would ever be Brewskie, Okey, Slick, Noah and Who.
The earthquake and tsunami that has devastated northern Japan is one of the worst disasters to affect modern civilization. The looming threat of nuclear contamination has complicated rescue efforts for both human and animal life. It is essential that those responding to the needs of animals in Japan have resources to meet the crisis before them, just as other rescue groups do.
In concert with other pet bloggers today, I am supporting Official Paws for Japan Day. This day has been designated to raise awareness of the animal aid groups and to help raise funds for their efforts. I am helping World Vets, a rescue group actively responding to the Japan crisis by auctioning the painting above and donating all the proceeds to their efforts. I hope that you will bid generously and donate to their cause as well.
The painting is of my Twittering cat Brewskie Butt, who often sends *Brew Hugs* thru social media to those who are sad or having a rough time. In this painting, he is sending hugs to all those who are suffering in Japan – humans and other creatures.
Here is the info about the painting and the auction:
14″ H X 10 W″ painting on wood by artist BZTAT
Leave bids in increments of $10 below in the comments section.
Minimum Bid $50 USD
Shipping: $25 USA $45 International
BUY NOW OPTION: You can buy this piece now for $170 as long as no bids have been made in the comments below. Simply write BUY NOW in the comments and send a payment of $170 + shipping via PayPal to bztat at bztat.com.
Highest bid at 11:00 pm EST on Saturday 3/19/11 wins the piece.
Winning bidder: send payment of bid + shipping to Paypal using email address: bztat at bztat.com
Please allow 4 weeks for shipping.
Please be sure to visit the other blogs posting for Official Paws for Japan Day: