The routine of caring for a pet can bring structure and purpose to daily life. Maybe you don’t always want to get out of bed, but your pet wants you to. Isn’t that a good thing?
He added, “This is the deadliest tornado event we have ever had.”
On Sunday, President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Kentucky which will provide federal aid to those in at least eight counties following the devastation of the storms. In addition to support from the federal government, Beshear and local officials are also encouraging fellow Kentuckians and people across the country to lend their support. Here are some ways to help the relief efforts in Kentucky.Here’s looking at you. Dogs have three eyelids, an upper lid, a lower lid and the third lid, called a nictitating membrane or “haw,” which helps keep the eye moist and protected.
Places to donate blood
One major way locals can contribute is by donating blood which is desperately needed after natural disasters.
Locals can find a donation center in their area by going to the American Red Cross Blood Center website and typing in their zip code. The American Red Cross is also accepting monetary donations to widespread Kentucky recovery efforts or specific counties in the state.Local organizations to support
Kentucky Sports Radio and the Kentucky Chamber Foundation also teamed up to establish the KSR Tornado Relief Fund where individuals and businesses can donate. As of Wednesday morning, the fund has already raised more than half of its $500,000 goal.Where to volunteer
Kentucky State Police said that those who wish to volunteer in person should call 270-331-1979. Kentucky Emergency Management is also asking companies and organizations that can donate services or products to call 502-697-6600.Volunteers near Bowling Green, Ky., can assist the local Bowling Green Fire Department. They should send the department a Facebook message with their name, contact information and the type of assistance they can provide.Create a Barrier to Keep Your Dog Out of the Litterbox. Does your dog go straight for the littler box? He’s not alone, lots of dogs are attracted to kitty litter. Keep your dog from getting into the litter by elevating the box or creating a simple barrier so they can’t get in.
National organizations to support
National organizations such as CARE and Feeding America are stepping in to help out as well. CARE is collecting money to send food, water and cash to the tornado victims, while donations sent to Feeding America will help provide “” bags of food that do not require cooking. Convoy of Hope, a faith-based non-profit based in Missouri, has also sent tractor-trailer loads of relief supplies to the impacted areas.“We will keep putting one foot in front of another and push through this,” Beshear said at a news conference on Sunday. “We’re not going anywhere, we’re going to be with you today, we’re going to be with you tomorrow and we’re going to be with you to rebuild.”
Although Kentucky was hit the hardest, the series of storms ripped through several states including Illinois, Tennessee and Arkansas. As of Wednesday evening, nearly 90 people were reported dead in the storms.Stay consistent with training, play time and rest time for your pets so they don’t get too overwhelmed. Your calm and consistent demeanor will help your pet to understand that they can trust you. Once you earn their trust, understand the schedule, and feel secure in their safe place, both of your lives will be much easier.