I feel terrible for not having posted this sooner. Hurricane Katrina left many victims in her wake, humans and animals alike. I've read so many heartbreaking stories about people who had to leave their pets behind since shelters don't allow animals. There have been clips of dogs pacing the rooftops of flooded homes, swimming through the water or stranded on tree tops. It's heartbreaking but we can help. The following groups are helping rescue animals in this tragedy:

? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, aspca.org, is helping local animal groups in Austin, Texas, which are housing pets of flood evacuees who are in a Red Cross shelter. It is sending teams of veterinarians and technicians to Jackson, along with a mobile vet clinic.

? The Houston SPCA, spcahouston.org, is housing more than 600 animals evacuated from flood areas.

? The American Humane Association, americanhumane.org, has received 2,000 requests for animal rescues from the flood-ravaged region and has sent its Animal Emergency Services rescue rig to join other responders in Mississippi.

The organizations say donations of money and supplies are needed, as are volunteers to help in disaster relief, to provide transportation for animals and to offer temporary or permanent homes for animals.

Please visit their websites for more information about how you can help.