Date: September 2, 2005

Time: 10:46 am EST

Re: Hurricane Katrina Rescue Efforts

From: Diane

Happy to announce we are all safe and sound in Birmingham. We arrived last night at 10:30pm (EST). Jackie Myer the Executive Director of The Greater Birmingham Humane Society, waited at the shelter for us to arrive to ensure we made it safely. She had us fill up on gas since the state is literally running out. Then led us to a restaurant that was closing in a few minutes and bought us dinner. She has been really terrific!

The plan today is to meet up at the shelter and assess what the best plan of action will be coordinating with Joanne and Jackie.

Gasoline will be a major issue. Last night before we came into Alabama we were advised to buy some gas containers to fill before hand. We went to a few stores and could not find any. I finally walked over to a truck store and asked for one. They didn't have any either but a truck driver overheard and said he had one he would sell to us. I agreed to buy it considering we couldn't find any and we immediately filled it up. 

A woman from Washington, DC approached us and asked where we were heading. She wished us luck and thanked us for all the good things we do.

Mike and Jen did a wonderful job getting us here in such a timely manner. They drove 12 hours yesterday, only stopping for gas along the way. All I can say WOW! Thanks!

Will keep you posted as things progress here.

Diane