Asia Earthquake and Tsunami Update: Saturday, January 8 - 11:30 p.m.

This will be the last update I post as I leave in several hours for Colombo, Sri Lanka. Accompanying me to Asia will be Noah's Wish Coordinators Wade Beane, Susan Randolph, and Donna Wackerbauer (Donna is from Summerland, BC). Additional Coordinators and Volunteers are on hold waiting our instructions once we have a better idea as to whether more help will be needed. All of us who are going now, know that we have our work cut out for us. In spite of all our training and experience during disasters we are expecting to come back from this disaster feeling different then we ever have before.

The animal situation in areas of Sri Lanka are worsening. Dogs, in particular are having a tough time. Solutions, both short and long term, are being discussed for providing food and vaccinations. I have received inquiries from people wanting to adopt animals from Sri Lanka. So far this has not happened but that's not to say it will not. Of course everyone involved in helping the animals wants to do what is in their best interest. A plane flight half way around the world may not be the answer.

Several veterinarians from Pet V Care have been in some of the worst hit areas vaccinating as many animals as possible. They are working extremely hard, putting in some extremely long hours. Rabies vaccinations in particular are being given. Noah's Wish will be helping to purchase more rabies vaccinations once we arrive in Sri Lanka. The cost for a rabies vaccination is $1.40 per animal.

Our contact in Sri Lanka, Bob Blumberg, has been doing an amazing job of coordinating the inquiries and offers of help. I am happy we will be able to assist him in his efforts as the job he has been doing is a tough one.

With less then 4 hours left before I head to the airport I should bring this update to a close. Before I do, I would like to end by thanking everyone who has so generously supported our efforts. We will work our hardest to save as many animals as we can, something I know many of you wish you were right along side of us doing too. The kind of help you have given does make a huge difference and it is definitely needed. This is not a disaster that is going to allow people's and animal's lives to return to normal for a very long time.

I would also like to thank North West Airlines for recognizing the work of those individuals and organizations headed to Asia to help in the relief efforts. Their discounted airfares were more then generous. And, North West was also there to help move animals around the country for free during last summer's hurricanes. They deserve a huge thanks and the business of all of us "animal people."

We will be in Sri Lanka on Tuesday and just as soon as we can get a grasp on what is going on, I will start sending you updates.

Report Submitted By: Terri Crisp - Noah's Wish Director