When a Carbon County man recently died suddenly, his beloved dog was left alone for days.

"The dog was left there. There was no next-of-kin, nothing," Donna Crum, coordinator of the Carbon County Animal Response Team told members Monday. "God forbid there's a fire ..."The dog was much loved."There were pictures of this dog everywhere in the house," she said. "This dog was phenomenal."Fortunately, the dog eventually found a good "forever home."But the situation brought home the need for pet owners to have an emergency plan for their furry friends.CART recommends that all important information about pets the number of pets; their names and descriptions; their medical needs; the names, addresses and telephone numbers of relatives, friends or neighbors who will care for them in case of emergency; their veterinarian's name and telephone number; where the pet is likely to hide when strangers are in the house be kept in a clearly marked plastic bag hung in plain view next to the front door.In other matters Monday, CART members invited the public to check their Facebook page.Also, members who had joined when the group was formed in 2005 are invited to return now that CART is well-established and running smoothly. There will be a training session in January or February.CART is planning a hoagie fundraiser early next year, in part to buy oxygen masks for dogs and cats. The masks cost about $65 each and will be given to county fire and ambulance companies. CART will train emergency crews how to use them.CART is asking business owners to contact Crum at (610) 826-4901 to have blue tubs placed in the business to collect donations of money and pet supplies.If there are any kind-hearted Santas out there, CART's Christmas wish list includes walkie-talkies and a laptop computer.In other business, members were given forms to give to veterinarians and others who want to help care for and shelter animals that have been rescued. The forms will be kept on file so that CART can quickly find help for various kinds of animals in a number of locations. The forms detail types of animals the person is interested in caring for, what kinds of shelter they can provide and what other help they can render.CART members also learned the state Animal Response Team is seeking resource volunteers to help the county team. Resource volunteers provide housing for a variety of species; provide expertise about animal husbandry for a variety of species; provide food and bedding for rescued animals; lend a helping hand in specific situations and lend equipment to CART for use during a disaster.Resource volunteers will need to attend one orientation meeting.Those interested in becoming resource volunteers are asked to visit

www.pasart.us to enroll.