As she followed the coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its devastation of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, Rachael Demeter's thoughts often turned to the thousands of pets missing, displaced and drowned.

"I think about what if it was my best friend who was lost or needed help and it chokes me up," said the 28-year-old Richlandtown resident, who has two dogs, a cat and a macaw.

To help other people's best friends, Demeter has organized a drive to collect and deliver pet supplies to a Humane Society of the United States shelter in Hattiesburg, Miss. She has teamed up with Quakertown's Pets Plus and the Bucks County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

A 24-foot truck will be loaded Thursday evening at the Pets Plus on Route 309 and Demeter's husband, Tim, and his brother, Frank, will drive it to Hattiesburg.

According to the Humane Society, the organization has rescued 3,815 pets in the Katrina-ravaged area as of Sept. 11, including 2,529 cats and dogs and 121 horses. There are temporary pet shelters in Gonzales, La., and Hattiesburg, where animals are examined, cleaned, fed and housed.

"Rachael is the ultimate animal lover," said Tami Stout, manager of the Quakertown Pets Plus. "She is always there to help anyone who needs help."

Demeter, who previously worked at the pet store, works for Fortune Financial Management Services in Quakertown. She also trains dogs and rescues and finds homes for stray pets.

Items being collected include pet carriers, leashes, collars, water bottles, vitamins, eye wash, ear cleaner, medicated shampoo, canned cat and dog food, plastic food and water dishes, bottled water, horse harnesses and leads.

Also sought are humane traps for skittish and scared cats rescue workers are trying to catch.

Pets Plus has donated 25 animal carriers and water bottles and a large bin in the store is filled with items donated by customers and employees.

"To see what's happening makes us want to do something," said Anne Irwin, director of the Bucks County SPCA. "If it was happening in our backyard it would help morale to know other people hadn't forgotten you."

"The outpouring of help from people has been amazing," Demeter said.

Donations are sought to offset the truck rental and delivery costs, which Demeter estimated at $3,000. Checks can be written to the Bucks County SPCA and dropped off at the nonprofit agency in Lahaska or the Quakertown Pets Plus. Extra money will be donated to the Humane Society.

The pet supplies will be delivered to Jennifer Henderson, who grew up in Warrington Township in Bucks County and works for Birds and Animals, a Florida company that trains and supplies animals for movies, television and Universal Studios.

Several of the company's employees are volunteering with the Humane Society in Hattiesburg.

"I was talking to people and everyone said they wanted to help, but they didn't know how," Demeter said. "I was having lunch at the Richlandtown Inn and a mutual friend introduced me to the Hendersons, who told me about their daughter in Hattiesburg and helped me get in touch with her."

Jennifer Henderson could not be reached for comment.

"I talked to her [Monday night]," Bob Henderson said of his daughter. "She said they were having some problems getting food for the volunteers, but they're doing what they can."

Henderson said he and his wife plan to make a donation to Demeter's pet supply drive. "Rachael is doing a wonderful job," he said

According to the Humane Society, the organization has rescued 3,815 pets in the [Katrina]-ravaged area as of Sept. 11, including 2,529 cats and dogs and 121 horses. There are temporary pet shelters in Gonzales, La., and Hattiesburg, where animals are examined, cleaned, fed and housed.

2 Photos by Catherine Meredith, The Morning Call and Cheryl Diaz Meyer, Getty Images; 1. RACHAEL DEMETER of Richlandtown sorts through donated pet items with  Chelsea Garrett at Pets Plus in Quakertown. The items will be taken to an animal shelter in Hattiesburg, Miss., to help pets affected by + Hurricane Katrina. 2. PIT BULLS that survived Hurricane Katrina's effects in New Orleans were rescued by police officers. Animal rescue groups in the region are working to save pets. A Richlandtown woman seeks to aid a Mississippi shelter.