It's a long way from the hurricane battered U.S. Gulf coast to South Burnaby, B.C.
But for Nikki Forbes of the Action for Animals in Distress Society, a few thousand miles is nothing compared to the need to help those in trouble, whether they walk on two legs or four.
Three years ago when hurricane Katrina hit - aside from the human toll - thousands of pets were left homeless or abandoned. Their owners were dead or forced to flee.
Several dozen of those animals found their way to families in B.C. thanks to the efforts of groups like Nikki's.
"All of those cats were brought here from the hurricane zone. They were all found very good foster homes."
Now with hurricane Gustav wreaking havoc, those same groups are watching and eager to help again if the need arises.
Also awaiting the call for help is Vancouver's Urban Search and Rescue team, which was involved in the search for survivors in New Orleans three years ago.
When Gustav first began its approach to the U.S. mainland, the team was put on standby. But with Gustav being downgraded, they likely won't be required this time.
Still, there are good reasons why Canadians should continue to keep a close eye on Gustav's progress. That's because of fears that storm damage to oil rigs and U.S. refineries could send our gas prices even higher, up to a $1.75 per litre.
"If it's like Katrina, we could see a spike now that would stretch into next spring or next summer," said financial analyst Michael Levy.
Fortunately for now it appears the situation is not as bad as many feared.
Though that's not stopping British Columbians from remembering what happened after Katrina and offering to help once again.
With a reports by CTV British Columbia's Rob Brown, Stephen Smart and Rena Heer.
