Apart from the tragedies that are still unfolding in the wake of Katrina and Rita, some valuable lessons are still being learned from the bitter experiences of those on the front lines. The human stories that are still being unearthed are bad enough but MuttShack Animal Rescue are discovering even more heartbreaking stories of pets and domestic animals that don't have the gift of speech to ask for help, and are suffering untold hardship, from starvation, pain, infection and death either from the hurricanes or worse still, from being euthanized by the people they trusted.

These things should not be experienced by man or beast, and with training and preparation, in the event of another disaster, much of the tragic events that the Gulf Coast has recently experienced could be avoided or at least be less destructive. The MuttShack Animal Rescue Foundation is offering a program of live lectures, online courses and teleseminars to get volunteers deployed to the front lines. Many volunteers have already been through the pilot program. When the next disaster strikes, their credentials will get them to the front lines with the first responders.

"We are very fortunate to have such dedicated and competent people to work with," said Amanda St.John the founder of MuttShack Animal Rescue. "Many 'spontaneous volunteers' were turned back by large rescue groups when their help was desperately needed. It was devastating for them and for animals. In order to be ready when another disaster strikes, we put together a training program with the help of Captain Stephanie Ostrowski of FEMA as well as national and local rescue and shelter organizations to credentialize our volunteers."

"The volunteer spirit was phenomenal under very trying circumstances but wonderful results have been achieved in saving, housing, and treating all sorts of pets and in many cases, reuniting them with their owners. We sincerely hope that something like this will never occur again, but if it does, we will be much better prepared to deal with it," she added.

If anyone is interested in participating in this Volunteer Training Program please go to the website at http://www.muttshack.org or e-mail for more details. Assistance, transport, supplies and donations are always welcome. MuttShack Volunteers are still actively involved in supporting the local New Orleans shelters through volunteering, donations and by helping find homes for surrendered animals.

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