Most of you have probably seen something about the fires in TX, but may not know that there are allot of ranches impacted with horses and cattle that are having to be moved on a moments notice.  I have also seen quite a few requests from folks asking for help in relocating their dogs and cats too.  We hear allot about the animals with hurricanes, but the fires are just as devastating for the animals.  Somethink for all of us dog owners to think about.  What would you do with your animals if you had to evacuate at a moments notice?  Have a plan for you and your animals.  Keep there medical records in a location that is easily portable. Be prepared.

This was the view this morning from the hills near where I live west of Austin looking out over the city to the east.  About 25 miles easy of Austin the Bastrop wildfire is still burning out of control and has consumed hundreds of homes and upwards of 30,000 acres.  Thankfully the winds from the weekend have calmed and the temps dropped (the high today will be 92).  The other fires that are west of where I live are about 50% contained now, but the drought still continues with an extreme fire hazard.  We are all praying for rain in TX.

I have seen posts on facebook from my Texas friends about this and people trying to find places for their animals.  Not that I wish storms on anyone, but sure wish that TS Lee would have headed  to Texas.  We got alot of rain and water.  The storm here however did help put out the swamp fire that was in New Orleans east.

Hope the rain comes soon and the winds stay calm for now.  Bev are you having hazy smokey issues?  I know with the marsh fire we have had a haze and the smell of burning in the air depending on which way the wind was blowing.  But after Katrina, no telling what is burning in the marsh fire.  So much debris was washed up in the swamp.  It really smelled like burning tires.  And you know people, they think it is their personal dump spot too.  Such a shame. 

 Some pictures from yesterday.  Good news is the winds have abated and the fire is now 30% contained.  Still the worst wildfire in TX history.

Looking out over Austin to the east where the fire is burning.

This one was taken from Bastrop looking east.  The winds had shifted and Bastrop was no longer blanketed in smoke.

These stories just make me cry. I have been watching all the disasters going on in the country. Used to live near Austin, in New Braunfels, it's the beautiful "hill country". Makes me so sad to see this. It's so strange to see it so dry there, they used to get rain all the time in the summer, the afternoon thundershowers, what happened to them? Never had to irrigate our pastures. My prayers are with all the people and animals in harms way. And like Texas Belle said, be prepared, you never know when you may have to leave at a moments notice. And, try to keep your gas tank filled! You don't want to run out of gas getting out of dodge.