Urgent: Oklahoma Tornado Animal Rescue

IFAW's Animal Rescue Team is on its way to Oklahoma, where a tornado with 200 mile-per-hour winds destroyed or damaged as many as 13,000 homes.

You've probably seen the video of Barbara Garcia, who was being interviewed on TV in front of the wreckage of her home. Suddenly her adorable schnauzer named Bowser surprised everyone by crawling out of the rubble. It was a wonderful and emotional reunion.

Not all reunions are that easy, and that's why IFAW is lending its expertise in disaster response. We need your help to reunite pets and their owners who were victims of this devastating storm.

The tornado displaced thousands of people, many of whom were separated from their beloved cats or dogs. Already more than 100 cats and dogs have been rescued in Oklahoma City. IFAW's team will work with the Central Oklahoma Humane Society to help reunite those pets with their owners.

I can barely imagine what it would be like to have my home damaged and at the same time be separated from a beloved pet. You can help us reunite frightened cats and dogs with their owners.

I will send you updates from IFAW's Animal Rescue Team as soon as I get them. You can be sure that, if needed, they'll be ready to assist additional shelters or distribute pet food to owners who've lost almost everything.

It warms my heart to know that the animals have you looking out for them - during emergencies like this tornado, and whenever they are in need.

Thank you,

Azzedine Downes IFAW President & CEO

P.S. In an emergency like the Oklahoma tornado, we need to act fast. You allow us to help as many cats and dogs as possible.