Yall, I am totally freaking out here by this time. We have mandotory evacuations set for the parish just south of me which includes family members set for Sunday at 8:00AM. A lot of those family members will be coming to my home on Sunday to spend the night and then we are looking at leaving first thing Monday morning to head for Tyler TX to our hotel rooms. The problem is that we can not take the ratties (Molly and Buster) to the hotel. What the heck are we suppose to do? There are NO animal shelters that will take in dogs or cats in my area.  So we are looking at having to leave them in my home while we are gone for 4 days at least.

I know that things can change at last minute but beings we are dealing with mandatory ecacuations we are acting as we see fit. But the ratties are getting lost in the process.

Please don't feed me this business about how storms move at the last minute, I have been through enough to know that. But when your goal is to protect your family wheather it be babies or ratties, you have to have some kind of plan that works. And at this very time I have no plan to protect the ratties.

I don't care if you all think I am crazy for being concerned about a storm that has not made it into the gulf just yet but all of the predictions over the past few days is enough for me to worrry and try and make plans to keep everyone safe.

I still pray and hope that it goes elsewhere but the more it goes the more it looks like we are getting this one. If we do it will not be pretty.

I  can't speak for anyone else. But I certainly do not think your being one bit crazy about this. These kind oif storms are nothing to play around with. Its a shame that the hotel will not let you bring your dogs. You would think they could maybe make some kind of exception because of this storm that is coming.  If your dogs are with you, at least that way you know they would be safe.

Did  you try going online and checking for hotels that allow pets? Try this website doginmysuitcase.com maybe you can find a hotel that will let you bring  Molly and Buster

Four years ago, when we evacuated to a hotel, because of the hurricanes, the hotel allowed animals. Even big dogs, as long as they were on leash. They make special exceptions, during those times. We were there for three days. The fun part, was going up and down the elevator, to take them outside, to potty, while the storm was still hanging around. So take them. It will be ok.

So sorry you guys are having to go through this storm evac but I can see why they are being as cautious as they are! Esp after the Texas fiasco on the interstates, and Katrina...

No WAY leave your pups.....esp since all the neighbors will be gone...who would care for them? Katrina showed what happened to animals left behind...why government rescuers (buses, etc) now will allow pet owners to bring their animals.

I used to show my dogs...we "snuck" them into hotels ALL the time... In THIS situation that would be what I'd do...no ifs, ands, or buts.

Also...most, if not all, Days Inns allow dogs...least they used to.Are there any in that area?

At the very worst, keep them in crates in the car (all windows/ and door open) and sneak them in later....hopefully they are quiet, not barkers???

I would hope that hotels/motels are more lenient regarding their rules at times like this...it is after all, an emergency.

and since they are small dogs that should be easier to negotiate should they say something ("catch you"...ahem!) to you about them.

Please stay safe and good luck!!!!! I hope it moves away from you all!!!!!

i totally agree, take the dogs with you and deal with it later....   

I am also on a board called Just Dogs and mentioned your plight to them.. these are some ideas, response I received,.

Morton's Animal Hospital is in Athens TX (very near Tyler) and  I have been told that he not only boards dogs but is also involved with the care and boarding of sanctuary dogs so he might have lots of room.  Number is 903-675-5708 - open till noon today.

Another lady 1 hour from Tyler wants to know how your dogs are with other animals - she might be willing to keep them for you - there are also offers to call around to hotels for you.  If it was me.. I would take my dogs and keep them in their kennels in the hotels at the very least.

I will check this post several times today.   BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!  I hear the evac is starting today and tomorrow.. will you be going earlier?

Glad to read that you are taking the pups with you.  It's easier to seek forgiveness later than to ask permission at the outset.  Just sneak them in, use crates, and have someone with them at all times.  I agree with the idea of being ready to cause a scene by contacing the media if the hotel gives you any trouble. 

God be with you and your family and keep each and every one of you safe.