Your Thoughts

I'm saddened to hear about the loss of the mosque in Cedar Rapids. I'm sure their (the muslim community) faith will help them to endure this devasating loss. My prayers are with all of my fellow Americans in Iowa who are struggling to survive after this amazing unfortunate flood.

fudge @ 7:46 PM PDT, Jul 1, 2008

Hi All, Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We are all working together to do what we can for our community and we appreciate you continuing to think about us. Our community foundation has set up a flood fund to help us rebuild. It can be found at www.gcrcf.org . It will help agencies and businesses in the Cedar Rapids area rebuild. Please know that we appreciate all of your help and we will keep working to bring our community back.

Cedar Rapidian @ 12:55 PM PDT, Jul 1, 2008

I, too, love this Golden & have cared for him & others at the Kirkwood shelter. I went to the address on his paperwork & left a note to call. They did, confirming he was a stray. On 6/29 Chicago Paws identified several dogs as ones they'd accept. He's one; he'll be leaving our care in a couple days. If his owners have been contacting C.R. Animal Control they've likely been told he's not in their building. That's because he's in another area. Consider this a last-ditch effort to reunite this sweetie w/his family. But he'll thrive w/whatever new family adopts him; he's incredibly resilient.

Linda Fritts @ 5:42 AM PDT, Jun 30, 2008

Wow. I'm completely overwhelmed by such kind feedback. Thanks, everyone! I headed home for a couple days, to do laundry and see my boyfriend -- he's a very understanding man. But I'm hitting the road again tomorrow. I'll let you know what I see. Thanks again for your thoughts. -- pjh

PJ Huffstutter @ 7:54 PM PDT, Jun 25, 2008

Hi Ramy, I know that the American Red Cross has been particularly active out in the Midwest, but so have many of the state agencies in Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri and Illinois. I don't have any particular links to send to you, but if you contact each state's governor's office, they might be able to direct you to local groups who need aid. Thanks for reading the L.A. Times and for both your and Patsy's kind words, -- pjh

PJ Huffstutter @ 3:42 PM PDT, Jun 22, 2008

As a Bostonian, I had never read P.J. Huffstutter in my life, but this morning I stumbled on her most recent story from Iowa and knew by the second paragraph that this was one of the best pieces of news writing I'd read in a very long time. Previously, the vast online collection of heart-rending still photographs of this flood had made me wonder if words were now obselete for such a visual story. Huffstutter puts the thought to rest. I turn now to the LA Times online archive of her flood coverage, with relish, and thanks.

Chuck Kraemer @ 7:18 AM PDT, Jun 21, 2008

I smiled, teared up and itched. You should consider travel writing. I felt I was there. Hope someone from FEMA reads you wonderful story.

Jan @ 5:30 AM PDT, Jun 21, 2008

What a compelling article on the combination of Mother Nature and the human spirit. Apparently there is a need for the basic supplies. Are there links or contact information on shelters or lists of the MOST needed items? How can someone from the West Coast help out?

Ramy @ 9:40 AM PDT, Jun 20, 2008

Your diary makes the misery more real than any news broadcast or pictures.

Patsy Maddox @ 8:29 AM PDT, Jun 20, 2008