Help NOLA pet rescues for the cost of a short phone call

I've been keeping up on updates from rescuers at the nola.com message board. Thanks to somewhat disconnected coordination and typical bureaucratic stupidity, rescuers are reporting myriad obstacles to getting their job done; meanwhile, stranded pets have been left for days without food or potable water, and many have already died.

It might sound silly and pointless, but it appears word from John Minnick, Public Liaison Officer of Homeland Security (john.minnick@dhs.gov) is that having enough people phone in to the White House could help bring better coordination efforts to the area. The goal is to have as many people as possible call today. I already have; for the cost of a short LD call it certainly can't hurt to try.

The number is 202-456-1111. Don't bother pressing any buttons, just wait and a live person will answer. They can only take down messages, not answer any questions. Briefly, these are the points rescuers have asked to have addressed:

1. Assist animal rescuers using all divisions of military in all affected areas

2. Send military vets in to assist

3. Build and secure shelters ASAP (there are some decommissioned military bases nearby which could be used)

4. Assist with out of state transports

( The long version )

Thanks.