Update on Flooding 2

I'm hoping that the rain holds off for you hun.x On a serious note, I like animals as much as the next man. I know your daughter must be crazy about her pets if she's anything like you. I have to reason, though, that there comes a point where you have to say (or rather think) "f**k the cats - I'm off". No matter how much you love them, no animal is worth risking your life for. Tell her to get out the cat-carriers and have them ready upstairs with food/water etc. They'll be ok in there for several days if necessary. People are staying remarkably calm in the situation, but if the emergency services decide to evacuate people from their homes, they're not p!ssing about! it would be really sad if something were to happen to her cats, but does that even compare to something happening to her?

As I have told Mel in my discussion, Gabs, the cats will fend for themselves. They won't stay where there's danger, and drown. They'll go higher and avoid the water as much as they can, so if she's told to evacuate, she must do so. As long as the cats have food and the upstairs doors are open, they will be fine, and it really shouldn't last so long that they will starve. However, water is dangerous for humans, especially when it gushes from a river and funnels down streets with a strong swirling current. If they get caught in a confined space, like a room of the house, in swirling water which is rising very fast, it's difficult to keep one's strength going long enough to find a way out. So in that vein, I hope she does as she's told to, unlike those in New Orleans who didn't heed the warnings. Brightest Blessings, my friend. The kids will remain in my thoughts, as will all the others in the country who are suffering from this adverse weather. My candle is burning for them. xx

Oh dear, I wouldn't leave my fur babies for anything either, at least it's a house so she can get upstairs if things do get desperate. Let's hope they can sort the River out before it gets to her. You know in your heart she's doing what she thinks is best for her animals and there's nothing wring with caring for others after all.

HUGS. Your babies are in my heart and thoughts. I was at Mel's discussion and suggested getting large cardboard boxes from the grocer, fruiterer or supermarket to keep the cats in. The cats will have to be leashed with something to prevent them from running away when the boxes are opened. I can't think of anything else right now except to remember them in my prayers.Hugs again.

Oh Gabs I am so sorry to hear of this. But I know I would do the same thing and not want to leave my animals. I see that someone else suggested a box to put the cats in. I was thinking the same thing. I hope she can find something to carry the cats in. I will keep you all in my thoughts and I will be hoping for the best. Hugs.

O gabs you know they will be uin my prayers and thought. And as I told yoo and her build some boxes for them and get out of there. I know you , you wouldnt leave either just hope it dont raise much more that the army makes her leave maybe they can get the cats too. hugs and luvs

we wouldn't be mums if we didn't care pal , I answered Mels discussion earlier , so she made it home from work then , Is she not in an upstairs flat pal , she is stubborn just like her MUM lol , I would be like you pal , never mind the phone bill just you keep talking to her , it will help you both pal , keep us updated please , I will keep them in my prayers sweetheart xx

Oh Gabs I am so worried about your family. I am praying for them and really hope they can get out cats and all.

Oh no Gabs I hope Mel will okay. They cant take the cats with them? I would do the same thing. Have some faith and I will pray tht she will be okay. Try not to stress out. And keep us informed.

Prayers and well wishes going out to you and your loved ones also. I feel bad about all this flooding all over the world this past week. God bless and remember to take care of yourself also in these trying times. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~

Gabs, I am keeping your family in my prayers. I have read most of all of the responses. Most of the time, I try to cheer you up with silly jokes and comments but this is a very serious situation your daughter is in. So all jokes aside......since her husband and his friend have choosent to remain with your daughter and your daughter has choosen to remain with the cats.....Then they should all be prepared for the absolute worse. They should have a small boat available. It does not have to be fancy. Just big enough for the three of them and the cat carrier. They have to stay above the water. There is a very real possibility of houses collapsing when the foundations are under water. So going upstairs is not always the best choice. Encourage the three of them to have other options available. Why have they not put the cats in the car and driven to higher ground??? The roads might be cut off in some places but there has to be some higher ground they could go to. I do hope the rivers will start receding soon so they get as high as your daughter's home. God Bless and watch over your family. xxoo

Oh it must be horrible for you. If only she would just take the cats and leave. I will be keeping the whole area in my thoughts and prayers.

What is going on in your part of the world sounds as horrific as what happened here with the Katrina incident...people were forced to evacuate and leave their pets behind....some, like Mel decided to tough it out as they didn't want to leave their pets...these people turned out in many ways the winners...it would turn out that they remained safe and their pets...The ones who evacuated leaving the pets behind was another story...this was a few years ago mind you...many of the abandoned pets were rescued, but then shipped all over the country to shelters that would take them--people are STILL trying to find their pets... I probably did what might have been considered a very foolish thing--years and years ago, there was a bad fire in the building next door but part of our complex....it was an electrical fire and there was danger of it starting off elsewhere...we were told to evacuate the building...well I did evacuate leaving my kitties behind...but...when no one was paying attention (and there are advantages of being short and thin..can duck better..LOL) I snuck back into the building!! If anything my rational was if the fire did spread I could somehow take measures to try to get my kitties out---So your friend Mel is in danger of water floods...me..I could've risked being toasted!!! But my babies came first. What we do for our children...no?? Please keep us up-dated!!!...and I'll send a lot of prayers for Mel and her kitties safety

Your babies are in my prayers, my friend, and have been since I knew there was a threat.....I can understand both sides of this one....but it would be difficult to go through anyway.... My thoughts are also with you and Gissi....I know what worrying about your children can do to you....take care of yourselves.... Today is difficult for many, I fear....**Hugz**

Gabs do you mind ne asking why they can`t take the cats with them ??? I don`t like the sounds of this not only for your family but also the cats ... I don`t know how to comfort you , as I know it probwbly won`t help , but cats are replaceable , and they can swim eventhough we as people don`t believe it they will and then climb the nearest tree ... Our family had cats that we thought we lost forever due to going down rivers but they did come back , if they are ok they will come home , they know where they live ... I URGE YOU TO GET THEM OUT OF THERE , The cats are nothing unless they get out of there ... I know what you mean , but if its that dangerous , just find high ground and hopefully the kitties will find a big tree and wait ... I don`t know how else to help you through this at the moment , All I know is you and your family are in my Prayers .... I will never forget about you or your kids , they deserve life more than the kitties , their harder to replace than family ..... God Bless Gabs , hang in there ........ My prayers are with you all .......

Hello Gabs, I just hope mel is safe with her cats. If there is fear of flooding i think mel should take her cats and leave the house till weather clears up and threat of floods decrease as you say nearby villages is already flooded. I think she should come to your place or take shelter at friends or relatives house for soemtime. I will keep your babies in my thoughts. I do agree that you would naturally be concerned. Have faith in god and in yourselves. Hopefully things will get better. :)

First of all,a big hug for you my friend.I think Mel will do the right thing if things get bad.I can understand how she feels though,I think I would stay to save my pets too.But if things get dangerous I think she will go to higher ground.Take care my friend and your babies are in my prayers!

My thoughts are with your family. I know how bad it is, The Don has indeed burst its banks and whats more so did the rivers Derne and Calder. For me this has made getting in and out of work difficult, particularly with Wakefield station closing yesterday. I have also heard that we are to have more rain over the weekend, will it ever end?

OMG I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. I hope she is ok. Julie/Lilac54

Oh my goodness when it rains it pours you have had more than your share of problems Gabs. I will be praying for you and yours. Hopefully your daughter will be in a high spot and no water will get into her home. If she floods the tele lines may go down which will be scarey for you unless she has a cell phone. The cats can fend for themselves, why can't she put them in a crate or box and take them with her to where ever she goes? There must be some kind of shelter she can board them in to keep them safe if she gets evacuated. Poor girl to have to leave her loved ones what a hard decision. Could you leave Gissi, I do not think I could leave Petie, or Sammie. I know Abigail would be OK but not the other two. Sammie has strickly been an indoor cat until we moved here in town and she has no front claws, where Abigail has been both indoor and out door all her life I think and she has claws. I pray everyone of the will be safe and dry.