By Janet Shamlian, NBC News correspondent

The lines were long outside the Port Arthur Civic Center as residents waited for a ride out of town. They were carrying kids and coolers, backpacks and boom boxes -- the necessities for a few days in a strange place.  For some that meant their pets. Evacuating and housing dogs and cats was an issue in the days ahead of and after Hurricane Katrina.  Man's best friend or favorite feline was frequently turned away from both transportation and temporary housing.    In many cases, loving owners had to leave their pets behind at a time when they needed them most. Some where never reunited.