Gulf coast rescue

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9/1/06: [GULF COAST] Hope And Help Still Needed
PAST NEWSLETTERS: http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/default.htmlKinship Circle Animal Disaster Relief List will report Gulf Coast needs, news, missing/found animal reports, etc. for as long as needed. There are still thousands of animals roaming sparsely populated areas...We also report needs/news for animals in other disasters, as we’ve done for the Northeast (USA) floods and Middle East situation. Thank you for your commitment to forgotten victims in disasters.



IN THIS ALERT:
SMALL BITES
Abused Pup Now Safe At HSL. Needs Forever Home.
Interactive Map: Sightings, Missing, Found Animals
Seeking Out-Of-State Adoption Days For NOLA Animals
Remote Reunion Campaign -- Animals Lost In The System
A Nice Ending For Malvin, His Friends, Bandit And Lisa Fox
HSL Offers Reward For Arrest In Deliberate Dog Maiming
Avondale Pits: Help Them Live Free From Abuse
Update On St. Bernard Parish Dog Shootings
FOUND: Sweet Sam, Yellow Lab Mix
FOUND: Minnie, American Staffordshire Terrier Mix
Isabella’s Katrina Saga, One Year Later
Bubbles Has A Forever Family!
Despite New LA Law, Jefferson Parish Won’t Evacuate Pets
Hundreds Of Pets Homeless In New Orleans A Year After Katrina
Dog Painting for Charity -- Katrina: 1 Year Anniversary+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++1. SMALL BITESSend small-bite food, or cat food, when donating for Gulf Coast animals.August 29, 2006 Tribute PageSOURCE: Kinship Circle, kinshipcircle@brick.netThanks to all who shared comments, stories, and photos in response to our tributes on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, August 29, 2006. We are adding them to Kinship Circle’s tribute page. You can view them here:August 29, 2006 – For The Animals & Their Rescuershttp://www.kinshipcircle.org/katrina/8_29_06.html(If your message isn’t posted yet, it will be... So check back!)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Plaquemines Katrina Survivor, Elvira, Needs HomeSOURCE: RAMONA BILLOT I know black cats are not normally "popular" or in high demand. Everyone loves the cute calicos, torties and colorful cats, including me. But there is a special black cat in need of a loving home or person to keep her until she can get a home.Her name is Elvira - because she had teeth that stuck out from the sides of her mouth like fangs (which were removed this week). Elvira is a barn cat. She survived Katrina in Plaquemines Parish, so she has been through a lot. She is a friendly and very sweet black cat. She has some kind of skin allergies that cause her to have scaly, bumpy spots on her body, but she was given medication for that, so hopefully that will go away.The life of a barn cat is not all that bad. She has shelter and food and water. But, Elvira loves attention (even though she is sometimes shy), and she loves for you to pet her, neither of which ever happens to her at the barn. I know there are so, so many animals in need all over but it breaks my heart for her to be put back where she will rarely, if ever, receive any love or attention.IF YOU CAN ADOPT OR FOSTER ELVIRA, OR HAVE QUESTIONS,CONTACT: Ramona Billot, ramonabillot@yahoo.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BOOK: Through Katrina's Eyes, Poems from an Animal Rescuer's SoulSOURCE: Ed Kostro Hi Kinship Circle, Since you're now mentioning Katrina books, perhaps you could mention mine: Through Katrina's Eyes, Poems from an Animal Rescuer's Soul, which is The Book of the Month for August at the North Shore Animal League America, one of the world's largest 'no-kill' shelters. Volunteers from NSALA transported over 1,200 Katrina pets back to NY for adoption. A portion of each book sold on Amazon through their website will be donated back to the League.ORDER: http://www.nsalamerica.org/book_of_the_month/And a few poems from my book will be read at the Katrina Pet Memorial on August 29th at the Animal Ark Shelter in Hastings, Minnesota. Animal Arkers made many many trips from Minnesota down to the Gulf Coast helping out in rescue efforts. Thanks very much. You guys are marvelous! Ed-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BOOK: Katrina Pet TalesSOURCE: WeissWrite Forwarded from: Don Corrigan The storm of the century hit one year ago. People and places are still recovering. Pets suffered and are recovering, too. And, four animal welfare organizations were there - to rescue animals, reunite them with their families or find new homes for them.Katrina Pet Tales is the story of these amazing pets and the people who tirelessly and selflessly worked in impossible conditions to save them. People were harmed and suffered because pets were an afterthought in "official" rescue efforts. Pets must be included in future emergency plans. This story vividly illustrates why. Katrina Pet Tales chronicles - in words and compelling documentary photographs - the unprecedented, heroic and largely successful efforts to rescue thousands of pets and other animals during Katrina and its aftermath.The co-authors are Sally J. Altman and Dick Weiss, an award winning former editor, reporter and writing coach for the St. Louis Post Dispatch. They conducted extensive interviews with the rescuers, foster parents, and the many hurricane victims who lost and then found their pets. The story was commissioned by the Humane Society of Missouri and focuses on the efforts of that organization, along with The Humane Society of Southern Mississippi, The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.You can find this story -- in 10 chapters, reading time about an hour -- here: http://www.hsmo.org/katrinapettales/index.php Let us know what you think, by sending an email to weisswrite@gmail.com. Regards, Dick & Sally-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please Help Katrina-Effected ARF, AlabamaSOURCE: Julia Fischer, ARF NEED FOOD / NEED TRANSPORTS:* Dog Food / Cat Food* Puppy food / Kitten Food Most animals come to ARF debilitated and malnourished and need high-quality food in order to vet them. I.E., Purina, Science Diet, Pro Plan, Holistic/Vegan brands, etc.* Cat Litter Non “dusty brands” due to poor health of incoming animals.* TRANSPORTS To No-Kill Facilities Or Homes* Please be prepared to tell us the approximate size/weight of donations (for proper storage purposes) and have references available for transports.VIEW ANIMALS FOR ADOPTION: http://www.animalrescuemobile.orgPetfinder: http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/AL31.htmlCAN YOU HELP? CONTACT:Julia Fischer, ARF Mobile - ggnu@bellsouth.netcell: 251-455-9377; home: 251-645-8605 Donna Dickson - dkdickson@thomasbealle.comcell: 251-510-0227-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Plaquemines Parish -- Feral Cat TNR ProgramSOURCE: ramonabillot@yahoo.comTo all Plaquemines Parish residents: Are you feeding or caring for feral cats? Are you willing to be part of the solution to the overpopulation and complaints about them? We are looking for people who care and want to help implement a TNR (trap, neuter, return) program in Plaquemines Parish. Resources will be provided. Please be part of the solution, not the problem.REPLY TO: Ramona Billot, ramonabillot@yahoo.com-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HSUS Invests $2.8 Million+ For Spay/Neuter in LA, MSSOURCE: HSUS website, Katrina Forwarded from: E Gray Spay/Neuter Investments -- The HSUS has invested more than $2.8 million on spaying and neutering campaigns in Louisiana and Mississippi, to address the Gulf Coast region's intractable animal overpopulation problem, exacerbated by the disaster and its aftermath. The HSUS approach includes support for aggressive spay/neuter initiatives in the short term and a long term follow-up effort. The latter will combine programs to strengthen institutional capacity for spaying/neutering in the region with a public education initiative that targets misconceptions, lack of awareness, and reservations concerning costs and benefits of spaying and neutering animals. The goal of The HSUS in supporting these efforts was to ensure that Gulf Coast animal organizations could return to their full range of activities without having to devote their post-Katrina resources to an unmanageable animal control challenge caused by a surplus of homeless animals. And it is paying off well in the form of tangible gains from spaying and neutering programs in Louisiana and Mississippi, and the creation of lasting partnerships to benefit animal care and control work in the region. As an added benefit, this spaying and neutering program ensures that there will be fewer homeless animals on the streets, minimizing the potential for animal suffering when another disaster strikes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Update: Main Coon Mama & Kittens at Roicy Kill ShelterSOURCE: Susan Meyer Thank you to everyone who helped and donated to get the Maine Coons (Mama and 5 kittens) and Persian out of Roicy yesterday! These were saved. I wanted to update everyone. Thank you, SusanORIGINAL KINSHIP POST - 8/21/06: One Year Later, Animals Of The StormThese are the 5 little kitties born to the beautiful Maine Coon mix mama. The little family was found abandoned at a house when the new homeowners moved in. The new residents got a new house, but these babies lost theirs. There are 4 blacks and 1 tabby...Roicy Duhon Animal Control Center * Lafayette, LA337-291-5645, roicyvolunteers@gmail.com-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------File Reports & Check For Missing/Found Hurricane Animals
Nola.com: http://www.nola.com/forums/animals/
CraigsList: http://neworleans.craigslist.org/pet/
Petfinder’s Animal Emergency Response Network: http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/home.html
FOUND Katrina/Rita Animals, Still Missing Their People: http://tinyurl.com/ht9c2
Pet Harbor: http://www.petharbor.com/
Animal Sightings -- Missing, Found: http://www.communitywalk.com/map/12088
yepitsme770's photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yepitsme770/sets/
Remote Reunion Campaign: http://www.arches.uga.edu/~rrhudy/bfrr/-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. Abused Pup Now Safe At HSL. Needs Forever Home.SOURCE: Jeff Dorson, stopcruelty11@gmail.comhttp://www.crowleypostsignal.com/ TO ADOPT/RESUE ROCK, CONTACT:Humane Society of Louisiana - 901-268-4432Starving dog rescued in Crowley, LA. Owner expected to be charged with cruelty. CROWLEY, Louisiana - A neglected dog was recently rescued by the Crowley Animal Control A local resident reported the situation of a dog that was allegedly starving, thirsty and trapped in a small kennel. The anonymous caller said that she heard constant barking coming from a neighbor's yard before finally realizing that the animal was not being cared for. The woman contacted the Humane Society of Louisiana, based out of New Orleans, where she found help from Jeff Dorsan, the Regional Director of the H.S.L. He responded immediately and arrangements were made to rescue the animal and give it the proper medical attention needed to revive the dog. The dog was first taken to the city pound and later brought to Crowley Veterinarian Hospital under the direction of Dr. Don P Meyer, where he is receiving medical attention, courtesy of the Human Society of Louisiana. The loveable K-9 is, however, in need of a loving home. He will be placed in a state shelter unless someone adopts him.Animal neglect is a crime. There are two divisions of animal criminal acts. The first is a misdemeanor and is named as simple cruelty. The neglect is to not provide proper shelter, water, food and medical care for an animal. If found guilty, one can be charged as much as $1 thousand, serve six months in jail and 40 hours of community service.The second division is a felony and is called aggravated cruelty. According to Dorsan, Louisiana has the stiffest laws for felony charges against convicted criminals. Fines can reach up to $25 thousand and one can face serving 1-10 years in prison. Dorsan, along with the Humane Society of Louisiana, encourages everyone who comes across a neglected animal to take immediate measures. It is recommend that everything is documented and recorded in a journal. Pictures should also be taken as well as the situation video taped. Local law enforcement should be contacted. Also, be willing to be a witness if called to testify in court. If law enforcement do not respond contact the Human Society of Louisiana for assistance.The Human Society of Louisiana is a nonprofit organization funded by private donations, individuals and foundations. They help prepare cases, offer rewards, pay expenses and assist in the help of animals who are in less than acceptable living conditions. They also help set up new locations and chapters of Humane Society offices across the state. "We are in need of new chapters in the state," said Dorsan. "There are a lot of mistreated and neglected animals that need assistance."For more information on how you can help stop the mistreatment of animals contact the Human Society of Louisiana at: 901-268-4432, or to report an incident on line at: http://www.humanela.org/cruelty.htmTO ADOPT/RESUE ROCK, CONTACT:Humane Society of Louisiana - 901-268-4432+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++3. Interactive Map: Sightings, Missing, Found AnimalsSOURCE: http://www.communitywalk.com/map/12088 ARNO’S interactive map shows animal sightings within food/water sections. You may click on marked addresses to view enlarged descriptions and photos of missing or found animals. Whenever a photo (or photos) of the animal is available, it is linked to yeptisme770's flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yepitsme770/sets/VIEW MAP: http://www.communitywalk.com/map/12088ARNO STILL NEEDS Out-Of-Town Volunteers, along with residents!http://www.animalrescueneworleans.org/volunteer.html===============================LOST: Sophie - Cat Siamese, Domestic Medium Hair MixPET DETAIL: TYPE: LOST / STATUS: Open / PETFINDER SYSTEM I.D.: PF52836 Date Posted: 2005-10-13 / Disaster: KATRINADESCRIPTION: Cat Siamese, Domestic Medium Hair MixAge (YRS): approx. 7 months / Birth date: 2005-02-01 Color(s): beige black / Markings: seal point, white pawsSize: S * Sex: FBark brown or black ears, tail, nose, legs. Light brown around eyes. Bright blue eyes. Paws are white. Approximately 7 months old. Rather petite. Nervous around strangers.LAST KNOWN LOCATION: 201 Sharon Dr, New Orleans, LA, 70124IF YOU RECOGNIZE SOPHIE, OR HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT HER, CONTACT: 859-619-0013Email the person or organization who entered Sophie's information:http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=52836===============================LOST: Cat, Tortoiseshell MixPET DETAIL: TYPE: LOST / STATUS: Open / I.D.: BFE#35 / Disaster: KATRINA DESCRIPTION: Cat Tortoiseshell MixAge (YRS): 2 / Birth date: 2003-04-01 Color(s): black tan / Markings: white spot on belly, short corkskrew tailSize: L * Weight: 11 * Sex: SShe has a short tail about 3/4 length which curves up on the end toward back. A white patch of fur on her belly. She is a little bigger than in the picture, there she was about 6-8 months. Had collar and tags at time lost. LAST KNOWN LOCATION: 5939 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA, 70124She was in Lakeview at 5939 Canal Blvd.IF YOU RECOGNIZE THIS CAT, OR HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT HER, CONTACT: dlagar1@lsu.edu===============================LOST: Waffle - Cat, Domestic Short Hair - OrangePET DETAIL: TYPE: LOST / STATUS: Open / PETFINDER SYSTEM I.D.: PF42440 Date Posted: 2005-09-28 / Disaster: KATRINADESCRIPTION: Waffle - Cat, Domestic Short Hair - OrangeAge (YRS): 2 / Birth date: 2003-01-01 Color(s): tabby tiger Size: M * Weight: 10 * Sex: MMy cat was rescued from my home in Lakeview. Today, my dad went to the house and spray painted on the outside was an 'X'. The 'X' had 9-21, NE-1, and 1 live cat written on it.LAST KNOWN LOCATION: 7029 Derbes Pl/derbes St, New Orleans, LA, 70124IF YOU RECOGNIZE WAFFLE, OR HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT HIM, CONTACT: purrtweet@houston.rr.comEmail the person or organization who entered Waffle’s information:http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=42440VIEW MORE LOST/FOUND KATRINA ANIMALS:http://www.communitywalk.com/map/12088http://www.flickr.com/photos/yepitsme770/sets/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++4. Seeking Out-Of-State Adoption Days For NOLA AnimalsSOURCE: Pam Leavy TNR is in full swing at the Southern Animal Foundation, where I am a volunteer. Unfortunately, we are trapping lovable abandoned pets or adoptable kittens and puppies that we are forced to put back on the street. I am desperately trying to organize adoption days in other cities with some of our pets. We are popping at the seams with kittens, cats, puppies and dogs. Because there are no fosters available and no shelter to house them we are forced to put them back on the street after they are dewormed, vaccinated and fixed. Animal control in local parishes are left with the task of killing randomly. Might you consider doing an adoption day with New Orleans pets? I am offering our animals for free meaning they come with health certificates, spay/neuter, vaccinations, micro-chipped, etc. Any value put on them goes to the organization hosting the event. Press is the secret for having a great turnout. I will get as much press as possible in your city to promote the event. We adopted 31 cats at $100 a piece in 4 hours to approved homes in New Hampshire. WOW! Press was the key. Adoption days are a better option then adding to an already overcrowded shelter. The goal is to get animals out of shelters in to approved homes and place ours as well. Because we are working with every organization in the city any number of adoptable pets can be ready in a day. We will provide transports by plane or car anywhere. We don't want to add to the problem. I feel the formula of big press to promote a major adoption day works beautifully. I appreciate your consideration. Thank you for your time. Any suggestions, leads or ideas would be greatly appreciated! I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. REPLY TO: Cody Riess: 504-430-4583, cody@codyriess.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 5. Remote Reunion Campaign -- Animals Lost In The SystemSOURCE: http://rrhudy.myweb.uga.edu/bfrr/index.html Remote Reunion Campaign: http://www.arches.uga.edu/~rrhudy/bfrr/If these animals now, or have previously been, in your care...and you can provide ANY leads as to their whereabouts, please contact the specific volunteers listed on the website. (Please check this site at regular intervals in case additional lost/missing pets are added. They will be clearly marked and dated). JC -- LOST IN THE SYSTEMBreed: Poodle (small) - WhiteGender: Male / Age: 6 years / Weight: 12 lbsFound IDs: PF35525, PF50019, LA2187, A005875Lost IDs: PF63033, AVID chip #075034037 Petfinder found links: http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=35525http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=50019Petfinder lost links: http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=63033DESCRIPTION: His face was shaved, and he was wearing a silver choke chain and had been previously microchipped (AVID #075034037). LAST SEEN: JC was left at 5000 Touro Street, New Orleans, LA 70122 (Orleans Parish). This may have been mistaken as, or the paperwork may read, 4922 Touro Street. He is believed to have been rescued and taken to Lamar-Dixon, but he has become lost in the system.CONTACT: Deb Nelson, 651-462-0247 or Deb77@frontiernet.net===============================BLANQUITTO -- LOST IN THE SYSTEMBreed: American EskimoGender: Male (intact) / Age: 7 years / Weight: 35 lbs.Found IDs: PF29901, PF4275, 170731Lost ID: PF62873Petfinder found links:http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=29901http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=4275Petfinder lost link: http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=62873DESCRIPTION: Quitto is white with a cream-colored back,a black nose, a fluffy coat, pointed ears, and a curled tail. He was wearing a black collar with 2 tags at the time of the storm. LAST SEEN: Rescued from home at 705 N. Dilton, Metairie, LA (Jefferson Parish); taken to Lamar-Dixon and became lost in the system from there.CONTACT: Heather, 585-586-9169 or together4animals@cs.com===============================VIEW OTHER DOGS LOST IN THE SYSTEM: http://www.arches.uga.edu/~rrhudy/bfrr/dogs.htmlVIEW OTHER CATS LOST IN THE SYSTEM: http://www.arches.uga.edu/~rrhudy/bfrr/cats.htmlVIEW FOUND PETS:http://rrhudy.myweb.uga.edu/bfrr/found.html+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++6. A Nice Ending For Malvin, His Friends, Bandit And Lisa Fox SOURCE: Eric's Dog Blog, http://www.ericsdogblog.com/8/26/06--Many people on all sides of this have behaved admirably in recent weeks allowing Bandit to go home to his desperate and deserving owner Malvin."I'm going to try to get my dog back and take my dog with me everywhere I go," he said. "Before this year's out, I'm going home to New Orleans, and I'll have Bandit with me. --Malvin Cavalier, several months ago.Bandit, my dogs and I in AnnapolisWell Malvin was correct. He is home in New Orleans and Bandit will soon be on his way home. I picked him up today. What a story it has been. This reunion may just epitomize all Katrina victims doing better in Year Two than they did in Year One - A New Start. Let’s make this a good year for all of them. People have no idea all they’ve suffered. Most who haven't been reunited with their animals want that more than anything else they lost.Amazing One Year AnniversaryAlmost one year to the day since Katrina separated them Bandit and Malvin will be reunited in New Orleans with the help of the friendly crew at United Airlines, who are kindly making room for Bandit in the cabin of the plane this Thursday.Malvin is specially thankful that Bandit ended up with people like Lisa Fox who took such good care of him and who do understand how desperately he needs Bandit back in his life. He is thankful that Sandra and Cindy helped him when people in the early days simply shut him down. Their role has been misunderstood and it would take me far to long to explain it (one day I probably will). Just know they worked hard with hearts in the right place.This kid is cuteA special apology to Lisa Fox and her husband for all they have wrongly suffered in this situation. Had they been told the absolute truth in October or Nov., Bandit would have been home within days, not at month 12. Once they got the correct story they moved within days to return the dog. They placed the phone call to me that got the ball rolling and brought Bandit home.I would like to state for the record that while of course he has asked for and received some assistance in his quest, Malvin has never waivered from his desire to get is dog back, he has never been coached, and since his and his family’s first requests on Oct. 13th he has 100% with his own mind and spirit been the driver of his own cause, never even hinting that he would give the dog up. Malvin is in the top 10% of us who have that special bond with our pets is deep. Period...READ REST OF STORY: http://www.ericsdogblog.com/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++7. HSL Offers Reward For Arrest In Deliberate Dog MaimingSOURCE: Humane Society of Louisiana, http://www.humanela.org8/21/06 - Humane Society of Louisiana offers reward for arrest in case after deliberate maiming By KERI CHAMPION - LAPLACE - The Humane Society of Louisiana is looking for information leading to the arrest of an elderly Reserve man accused of deliberately maiming or mutilating an animal. This is considered a felony and carries up to 10 years in jail, or a $25,000 fine, or both, said Jeff Dorson, president of the Humane Society of Louisiana.“The dog, a female by the name of Toby, was caught in a rusty metal leghold trap and several toes on one of her front paws had been crushed. Several children had heard the dog's cries and when they got closer to the scene, the man told them he was punishing the dog for being on his property. The man also admitted to wanting to harm the animal and to setting out traps to ensnare the dog,” Dorson said.“While trapping is legal in Louisiana it is not legal to trap strays or out of season animals,” said Dorson, “Alleged Intentional Cruelty to Animals is taken very seriously, and the Humane Society is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the elderly man.”Toby was originally picked up by the St. John Animal Shelter, but released to the Humane Society where she could have surgery on her paw. “I think it is wonderful that Jeff Dorson and the society stepped in to pay for vet expenses,' said Linda Allen, director of the St. John Parish Animal Shelter. “We know who owns the property where the dog was found, but no arrests have been made in the case; We have had confrontations with the man before,” said Allen.Toby, the dog who was caught in the trap, had to have surgery and had three of her toes amputated. “I am glad that the St. John shelter contacted us to help in this manner because many public shelters do not have a budget large enough to treat injured animals,” Dorson said.The Humane Society paid for the surgery and aftercare of the dog and she is recovering nicely. Toby is currently in a foster home but is looking for a permanent, loving home said Dorson. “Toby is a very docile dog, she is great with children and other animals,” Dorson stated.The Humane Society, based in New Orleans, is asking for donations to help with the cost of the surgery, which was several thousand dollars. TO DONATE, call 901-268-4432. TO DONATE BY MAIL: Humane Society of LouisianaP.O. Box 740321; New Orleans, LA 70174+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++8. Avondale Pits: Help Them Live Free From Abuse SOURCE: Mary Thompson, thaleia@triad.rr.comPayPal Donations can be sent to: thaleia@triad.rr.comUnchaining the Avondale Pits t-shirt: http://www.cafepress.com/0221Donations still desperately need for spay/neuter once dogs reach California.Transport and care of all Avondale dogs. Read their story (and the petition) here:Fighting For Their Lives - Unchaining the Avondale Pit'shttp://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/241929365?ltl=1157039908#body Mary writes, 8/31/06: It's not done yet... As you know, the situation involving the Avondale Pits is going to criminal court on Sept 27, 2006 at 9 a.m. God willing, he won't get the dogs back, I can't see how that's even plausible. They (the DA) have all of my pictures, the petition in hard copy, our statements and Villalobos' statement of intent. Lise McComiskey is will be the local presence in court - THANK YOU SO MUCH! The two roadblocks I've run into are:* Transport funding to get Phoenix and Spice to Villalobos. And, money to cover care at SAF. I've received and raised from donations and the t-shirts only around $250, and have one person committing to pay for a flight for one of them. Had I not just spent over a grand getting my dog's knee replaced, it would really be a non issue and I'd be able to absorb most of this, but now I can't, and I need help. Both Phoenix and Mama are presently at SAF. Deanna / Anne just informed me there will be no vet cost associated w/ their care at SAF - I LOVE YOU GUYS! * Mama + 5 pups. Villalobos will take them as a last ditch effort. Anne Bell is so taken w/ this girl, says she loves everyone and everything. She can't be much more than a year old. I would LOVE to be able to find someplace for her and the puppies to go so that I don't overtax Tia. Please, can you help me with this? I've emailed almost every place I know, sans BF and Pasado, and there is no room at the inn. Pics of mama & pups: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=z3ag3d3.c5mwkw87&x=0&y=3obkry My friend Christine, who is a local, went and met the dogs and wrote up a temperment list. It's below:As for Phoenix, Anne says he's really come into his own now that he is gaining weight and is HEARTWORM FREE! He is a love, is wary about food, but otherwise she says nothing but great things about him. I'd like to see him in a home too, really, but Tia's place will be heaven on earth especially given what his life was before all this. Pics of Phoenix: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=z3ag3d3.1u1dfx9b&x=0&y=-o6vlkePics of Spice: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=z3ag3d3.bn25brof&x=0&y=mfkkbyPlease let me know if you have any ideas and send this out to the pleothora of lists you have, and maybe, just maybe, she'll find a place to go. Thanks so much for your consideration and time. Peace ~ MaryREPLY TO: Mary SPICE: White male approx 1 - 2 years oldSweet, loving, toward humans. No aggression has been observed from his caretakers at the animal shelter. He has not been observed with other animals, however, so it is unknown if he will or will not show aggression to animals. not neutered at this time due to awaiting on court decision. MAMMA: Brindle/white female about 1 - 2 years old.Sweet, very affectionate toward humans and other dogs of any breed. Terrific temperament. She loves her puppies. Unspayed waiting on court decision. Had litter recently, and it is suspected to be her first litter given number of pups who died after birth. (6 out of 11 died.) She shows no aggression and has never been taught to fight. Her purpose was to breed only.PUPPIES (Mama's babies)In June puppies were being treated for parasites, most likely from poor treatment and neglect the pregnant mom received from her owner. All pups were extremely playful and were practically begging me to play with them. All are very affectionate and lovable.Pup 1: Dark brown/white malePup2: Brown/white malePup 3: Brindle/whilte female Pup 4: Tan/white femalePup 5: White/tan femaleRECAP OF THEIR STORY: We were doing a reunion (that went horribly wrong) and found these chained dogs next door. Not just chains -- logging chains -- you guys know what I mean. We (Anne Bell) contacted JPAS, Bert Smith sent an ACO out. They gave the guy a week to correct all the infractions. Apparently no one went back. I called weekly to HSLA and JPAS trying to get someone to listen / respond. No one did. Finally, I posted their plight and the pics I had on the Dogs Deserve Better Yahoo! Group. That was on a Monday. Thanks to many voices, especially those in LA who had the right contacts, the dogs were finally seized that Thursday...PayPal Donations can be sent to: thaleia@triad.rr.comPurchase an "Unchaining the Avondale Pits" t-shirtView and buy shirts: http://www.cafepress.com/0221Phoenix's chained picture with "Fighting For Their Lives, Unchaining the Avondale Pits" text, is on the front. Brenda Shoss (Kinship Circle) has kindly donated the use of her "With My Eyes" poem for the back of the shirt. All proceeds from sales go directly to medical treatment and transport. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++9. Update On St. Bernard Parish Dog ShootingsSOURCE: http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/KATRINA/DOGSHOOTING/HISTORY.htm#Updates Updates since the investigation began: (dated from oldest to most recent)October, 2005 -- St. Bernard Sheriff's Officer Mike Minton is videotaped shooting dogs to death in St. Bernard Parish (unrelated to the school shootings)Oct-Dec, 2005 -- The Louisiana State Attorney General's Office begins interviewing witnesses and submits a request for a photo line-up from St. Bernard Sheriff Jack Stephens, left.April, 2006 -- We had hoped that the Attorney General would be empowered to secure a photo line-up of these officers. This appears not to be the case. Pasado's Safe Haven files a request for public records seeking photos of all 300 + St. Bernard Parish Deputy Sheriffs, from the St. Bernard Sheriff, Jack Stevens. We use a state law that is similar to the Federal Freedom of Information Act, to allow us to secure the records and photos.April-present, 2006 -- Pasado's initiates a nationwide campaign to write to the St. Bernard Sheriff to request a photo line-up of officers who served on the day the pets were shot.June, 2006 -- The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s office has denies Pasado's repeated requests for photos of the Sheriff Deputies on duty during the St. Bernard dog-shooting incident claiming that it falls under the category of personnel records and therefore the information is protected. Other options include asking the United States Attorney General Office (federal office) to look into the wisdom of having the Louisiana State Attorney General investigate this potential police misconduct case. Should a special prosecutor be assigned? Or, were the civil rights of the pet owners violated? If police killed their animals, does this constitute the taking of property (what animals/pets are considered under the law) under the 4th amendment? We’ll be submit these queries to the United States Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.March, 2006 -- A witness comes forward. Although we cannot divulge our source, we believe we may now know who "the shooter" was in the Beauregard Middle School massacre. A very reliable source has names a specific St. Bernard Sheriff's Deputy.August, 2006 -- Clark & Associates, a Gulf law firm, has agreed to take on the case of John Bozes. They plan to sue St. Bernard Sheriff Stephens, the Department, and two other officers on behalf of the loss of Angel Girl.**FROM PASADO SAFE HAVEN: At one time, we asked everyone to write to the Attorney General. We do not feel that flooding their inboxes with emails will help at this time. But that may change. Please keep an eye on our website for updates.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++10. FOUND: Sweet Sam, Yellow Lab Mix SOURCE: http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=63399PET DETAIL: Sam, yellow Labrador retriever mixTYPE: Found / STATUS: Open / Disaster: KATRINAPETFINDER SYSTEM I.D.: PF63399 / Date Posted: 2006-08-28DESCRIPTION: Yellow Labrador Retriever MixAge (YRS): approx. 1-2 Color(s): tanSize: M * Weight: 40Sex: male, neuteredThis sweet lab mix is yellow/tan in color, but smaller than a lab. He is approximately 1-2 years old. LAST KNOWN LOCATION: Algiers, Louisiana 70114Sam was found in Algiers, LA as a stray, but at some point after Katrina he had been through the Humane Society of Mississippi, where he was microchipped.IF YOU RECOGNIZE SAM, OR WANT TO INQUIRE ABOUT HIM,CONTACT: 920-499-7475Email the person or organization who entered Sam's informationhttp://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=63399+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++11. FOUND: Minnie, American Staffordshire Terrier Mix SOURCE: http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=63391PET DETAIL:TYPE: Found / STATUS: Open / Disaster: KATRINAPETFINDER SYSTEM I.D.: PF63391 / Date Posted: 2006-08-26 DESCRIPTION: Minnie, American Staffordshire Terrier MixAge (YRS): 1Color(s): tan whiteSize: MAltered: altered / Sex: SMinnie was found with her puppy in one of the hardest hit areas and taken to Best Friends in Tylertown. As a result of the Hurricane, she does not like to be outside all alone. She absolutely LOVES people and is very very affectionate! She was loved and cared for very much by someone but they might not have made it through the storm as she attacks the ground if left alone outside.LAST KNOWN LOCATION: New Orleans, LA 70112IF YOU RECOGNIZE ###, OR WANT TO INQUIRE ABOUT MINNIE, CONTACT: 920-499-7475Email the person or organization who entered Minnie’s informationhttp://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=63391+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++12. Isabella’s Katrina Saga, One Year LaterSOURCE: Kim Johnson Deanna Theis SAF http://newsday.typepad.com/news_local_flaim/2006/08/isabella_katrin.htmlQuestions, comments to - Denise Flaim: Denise denise.flaim@newsday.comAugust 30, 2006 -- Meet Isabella. She is the face of Katrina's lost animals, one year after the hurricane struck and devastated the Gulf Coast. Isabella, all of 4 months old, was either born or abandoned on the streets of New Orleans. Suffering from mange irritated by the pile of fiberglass she used for a bed, she is all but hairless. Her bleeding skin is as cracked as a lunar surface, her extremities are swollen, and her pasterns are weakened from malnutrition. Any attempt to sit or lie down is excruciatingly painful for her."When the FEMA workers first saw her, they ran to their trucks to find any food they had to give her. It took them a couple days to get her to trust them enough to grab her," says Kim Johnson, an animal rescue volunteer from Tualatin, Ore., who learned about Isabella and circulated her photos on the Internet. "When she realized they didn't mean to do her any harm, all she wanted was love."Isabella was eventually caught by the FEMA workers last week and taken to the Southern Animal Foundation (www.southernanimalfoundation.org), a non-profit animal hospital in New Orleans, where she is being treated. The web site has a donation button for those who want to contribute to Isabella's rehabilitation, as well as their overall mission of reducing the city's population of stray dogs aIsabella_007_1nd cats through spay-neuter programs.But Isabella is only one sad story amid a sea of heartbreak. One year after Katrina blighted the Gulf Coast and stranded an estimated 50,000 companion animals, many of those that survived and evaded capture are now feral, with only the streets to call home.Because many of them were never spayed or neutered, they are breeding, bringing into the word a new generation of puppies and kittens that know only asphalt and glass shards instead of comfy dog beds and squeaky toys.Kim says friends who’ve visited New Orleans recently report seeing animals frequently in the Lower 9th Ward -- which is not as innocuous as it sounds. "At this point, most animals hide during the day and only come out at night, because they're reverting to feral behavior," Kim explains. "So seeing so many animals in broad daylight, especially when it's so hot out, is a testament to just how many animals are out there, and how hungry they are."During this week of intense Katrina coverage, Kim asks us to remember Katrina's voiceless victims. "The photos of Isabella would break your heart no matter when you saw them, but ... this is the condition of some of the thousands of animals that are still on the streets a year after Katrina, and ... the media hasn't even mentioned the ongoing animal situation,"says Kim, who made three trips to New Orleans after the hurricane to help with animal rescue. "... The animal situation has never stopped being a Katrina disaster, and the animals are still out there suffering, starving, breeding, and dying every day."PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEANNA THEIS===============================Deanna Theis SAF writes, 8/24/06: I just wanted to send you all an email showing you our latest rescue. This little girl was found living on a debris pile out in St. Bernard. Her bedding was a pile of pink fiberglass. A really nice FEMA employee called me yesterday & told me about her situation. They first spotted her a few days ago. Imagine a bunch of big, rough FEMA guys all running to their trucks to get any kind of food they had to feed her. They had been feeding her for 3 days, until she got close enough for them to pick her up. She was starving for food, but more than that, she was starving for attention. Once she realized the men were not going to hurt her, she instantly became friendly. Isabella is around 4 months old, covered in mange. She even has demodex in her poop. (sorry to be graphic) It's painful for her to sit down, due to the swelling in her legs. She licked our hands and faces as the doctor did a skin scrape on her. It was all most of us could do to hold back the tears.We happened to have Geralyn Pezanoski here, filming an update for the documentary she's working. She and her crew were getting ready to walk out when we got the call that the dog was coming in. Luckily, they were able to get some great footage of Isabella as she entered the clinic. So, here we are, one year later. We haven't seen something this bad in quite a while, but this poor dog proves they are still out there. Isabella will also be looking for a home once her recovery is in full swing. (Just putting a bug in everyones ear...) Newsday.com blog (THANK YOU Denise Flaim!):http://newsday.typepad.com/news_local_flaim/2006/08/isabella_katrin.html Collection of Isabella photos (please note that these photos are COPYRIGHTED, so need photographer's permission for reuse). Contact me for permission, RRsighthound@aol.com:http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/rrngsdfan/ AOL news blog posting:http://journals.aol.com/newsphotoblog/CitizenNewsPhotblog/entries/2006/08/28/katrina-pup-in-trouble/1146
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++13. Bubbles Has A Forever Family!SOURCE: Colleen Kessler http://web.mac.com/collofthewild/iWeb/Bubble%27s%20New%20HomeCHRONOLOGY OF A STORM, IN BUBBLES FACTSAug 29, 2005 - Katrina hits NOLA.Aug 31, 2006 - 80% of NOLA is underwater.Aug 31, 2006 - SAF is open and rescuing local animals.Sept 4, 2005 - Lamar Dixon opens for LASPCA animal rescues.Sept 24, 2005 - Rita hits LA/TX. Flood waters rise in NOLA.Oct 12, 2005 - ARNO is formed due to new of HSUS pull-out.Oct 14, 2005 - HSUS pulls out, closes Lamer Dixon. “No animals to be rescued.”Oct 20, 2005 11:50pm - Bubbles is RESCUED! (From a bathtub -- collapsed, emaciated, unable to raise her head). SAF brings her in for immediate care.Feb 6, 2005 - Bubbles is flown to Los Angeles, CAFeb 13, 2005 - Bubble’s road trip to San Francisco, CA. In foster care of Colleen & Gary.June 16, 2006 - Bubbles home visit with potential family in Los Angeles.June 30, 2006 - Bubbles officially has a new family.Aug 28, 2006 - Bubbles moves with Pretty and her new family to Arizona, to live a long happy and loved life!In June, my TRUE family found me. They love me, play with me, and would never leave me. I adore my dad and running buddy.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++14. Despite New LA Law, Jefferson Parish Won’t Evacuate Pets SOURCE: http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/base/news-16/115640647050270.xml&coll=1&thispage=2EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE Hurricane drill helps parish test evacuations:Evacuees may bring one suitcase with dimensions no larger than 16 by 30 inches. No weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs or ice chests larger than 1 gallon will be allowed on the bus. The parish also is forbidding pets, though Bonano said pet evacuation could become an option if the state and parish come upon more resources."Our job is to deal with humans first. We don’t have a pet shelter, and we don’t want to gather pets and have nothing to do with them," Bonano said.If a major storm comes this summer, Jefferson leaders expect that 10,000 to 15,000 residents will require help evacuating, based on demographic surveys and figures on who is using the public bus system.Pat Santos, deputy director of the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said Louisiana has laid out 97,000 shelter beds and is working with Arkansas and other nearby states on sheltering more evacuees. Louisiana also is staging 400 buses that will be supplemented with a fleet of 1,500 more, he said."We're emphasizing individual responsibility," Santos said. "Listen to your local officials. When they say evacuate, evacuate..."Residents may view the Jefferson evacuation plan and the bus routes by visiting http://www.jeffparish.net and clicking on the link for "J.P. Emergency Operations Plans."Kate Moran can be reached at kmoran@timespicayune.com or 504-883-7052.But according to NOLA Mayor Ray Nagin...http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/katrina/pdf/050306_evac.jpg+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++15. Hundreds Of Pets Homeless In New Orleans A Year After KatrinaSOURCE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060824/lf_afp/uskatrina1year_060824164955by Mira Oberman Thu Aug 24, NEW ORLEANS, United States (AFP) - A symphony of barks echoes through the converted warehouse acting as New Orleans' temporary animal shelter a year after Hurricane Katrina separated thousands of pets from their owners.Most of the animals rescued after 80 percent of the city was flooded have found their way back to their owners or to new homes across the country. But the city's only animal shelter - which operates out of an old coffee warehouse without air conditioning or drainage - is still full of hundreds of pets awaiting adoption. Some are strays found wandering through the rubble of abandoned homes. Others were given up by owners unable to care for them because of the stress of living in tiny trailers while they rebuild their homes, among other reasons."People are still getting their lives together," explained Gloria Dauphin, the assistant director of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). "Housing is a big, big issue and renting with an animal is next to impossible."AFP/File Photo: Babette, a female Pit Bull mix, waits to be adopted at the Louisiana Society for...Tails wagging and tongues lagging, the dogs follow people walking by the rows of cages with bright eyes, yipping and begging for some attention. Cats meow and stick their paws through the bars, ready to play and purring at the scratch of an ear.Between 2,000 and 3,000 animals died in the floods or in the hot, lonely days after evacuees were barred from taking their pets or returning to find them. "So many people would not leave because the government came to rescue the people and left the pets behind," said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States."There was an incredible drama that played out and a recognition that an incredible bond exists between people and their animals, and if you fail to account for that bond your work is going to be undermined." Animal rescue workers found their efforts stymied when they were barred from entering the city until a week after the storm hit. They paddled through floodwaters and broke into houses to rescue the pets of people who thought they would only be gone two or three days. Animals barred from evacuation buses were picked up on the streets as they rooted through garbage in search of food.About 16,000 pets were rescued and shipped to shelters across the country. Only 15-20% were eventually reunited with their owners. A lack of proper identification and technology to handle such a huge project slowed the reunion process, as did the time it took evacuees to find suitable housing.A couple dozen families have since sued aid agencies because the new owners of their pets would not return them. Pacelle said there a strong moral and legal case to be made that the animals should be returned to their original owners, but that the shelters could not house the pets indefinitely while waiting for owners to track them down.Seven states and the federal government have since passed laws ensuring that evacuation plans include pets, and some of those laws have even provided funds for pet-friendly shelters. Animal shelters across the country have contacted the Louisiana SPCA to get a copy of its evacuation plan, which managed to safely evacuate 263 animals ahead of the storm. That foresight saved their lives: when the shelter's staff was finally allowed to return they found the shelter swamped with eight feet of water, Dauphin said. The SPCA is currently raising funds for a new 17 million dollar facility slated to open in January.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++16. Dog Painting for Charity -- Katrina: 1 Year AnniversarySOURCE: Susan Meyer, susankiwikiwi@hotmail.com Katrina: 1 Year Anniversary was painted by dog-artist Gracie. Gracie, a Pharaoh Hound mix, was rescued from the devastation in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Gracie's paw painting in shades of green and pinks, is comprised of multiple prints that symbolize Gracie's progress from grief over what she witnessed in New Orleans. Gracie's style is reminiscent of botanical prints from the nineteenth century.On this one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Gracie is still hoping that she will one day be adopted into a forever home.All proceeds from Gracie's Katrina: 1 Year Anniversary go to care for Gracie and other dogs at Harlequin Haven. Gracie asks that people remember on this somber anniversary to microchip their pets, evacuate with their pets, and to have a plan in place to do so.This beautiful original tempera on paper painting comes already matted and framed and ready to add to your collection; frame is 10" x 13". Each work by Gracie is an original and comes with a CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.Katrina Dog-artist Gracie:http://cgi.ebay.com/Katrina-1-Year-Anniversary-Dog-Art-for-Dog-Rescue_W0QQitemZ280022446350QQihZ018QQcategoryZ66505QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemPlease help us to help dogs like Gracie, a Katrina survivor. Read her story: http://www.hhdane.com/mix/gracie.htm********************************************************************************************Shannon Moore July 22, 1969 ~ May 31, 2006http://memoriesofshannon.blogspot.com/Guest Book For Shannon Hartwick Moorehttp://www.legacy.com/NOLA/Guestbook.asp?Page=Guestbook&PersonID=18017409********************************************************************************************Caring about innocent animals caught in Katrina’s wrathdoesn’t diminish human suffering. It makes us human.********************************************************************************************TO SUBSCRIBE TO KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER RELIEF LIST:info@kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle@brick.netIN YOUR EMAIL, STATE: --SUBSCRIBE TO KC ANIMAL DISASTER RELIEF LIST--IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF LOUISIANATO UNSUBSCRIBE: PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR JUNK MAIL FILTER!* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox.* Hit “FORWARD”* Enter kinshipcircle@brick.net and send. [Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line].* Make sure the “To” line from our original alert is in your email, LIKE THIS: -----Original Message-----From: Kinship Circle Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 11:34 AMTo: 7. KINSHIP CIRLE Animal Disaster Relief List Subject: [GULF COAST] Volunteers Still Needed in New Orleans********************************************************************************************BEAR WITNESS. SPEAK. DEMAND. ACT.Kinship Circle - Action Campaigns I Literature I Voice For AnimalsNonprofit working in animal protection/cruelty + animal disaster relief campaignsBrenda Shoss, president: info@kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle@brick.nethttp://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/default.htmlKinship Circle is a 501c3 non-profit organization. DONATE ONLINE: http://www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/donations.htmlWe are grateful for your support!*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.*Kinship Circle cannot guarantee the validity of email addresses. During a campaign, recipients may change or disable their email addresses.

Princess found a home!

We are very excited that Princess was adopted today! A beautiful tortie mom, who not only cared for her 4 kittens, but was the foster mom to Nestle, an awesome brown pepper-tabby kitten. We almost lost Nestle 2 weeks ago, the little stinker apparently likes to play in water, and she decided to play in the bleach bucket too. We spent most of that weekend at The Animal Clinic, and our miracle workers took us seriously when we told them she was NOT to die! They pumped her full of more drugs than I thought a 2-lb kitty could have, but less than 48 hours later she was back with her playmates. THANK HEAVENS!!

A day of Hurricane Katrina rescue

As many of you know, I quit my job to do Hurricane rescue last year. I plan on returning this October to save more lives and hopefully bring some back with me. Here is a typical day for me:

4:15AM
Am I really going to get up? Yes. The animals are terrified and half-wild at this point. You can only see them at dawn and dusk for the most part. They roam at night but there is no electricity or street lights and you can't see them. Even house pets won't come to their owners, and we need to trap them for them. Except for nursing mothers, virtually no animal is caught without a trap. We can't imagine the horrors they have lived with, swimming and living in toxic muck, wondering why the owners to whom they gave a lifetime of love and affection have abandoned them.

5:45AM
I arrive at the St. Bernard parish checkpoint. It is still dark and the sheriff approaches my car with a puzzled look on his face. When he sees it is me he grins and shakes his head, waving me in. It looks like a mixture of admiration and incomprehension at my dedication. The first day I tried to enter he drilled me pretty well. On my first trip to this area there were no checkpoints--there were no people, period. Only rescuers and military. But now he is part of my daily life and I will miss him when I leave.

The military loves us animal rescuers. They have given me permission to enter an off-limits area to search for animals, and I will do that tomorrow or Thursday. There is an unspoken camaraderie between the military and animal rescuers. I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it's because we're both dedicated to our goals--not our jobs. Their goal is protecting and serving their country and countrymen, our goal is the same for the animals.

St. Bernard has received little press but it is much worse off then New Orleans. Several areas of N.O. were wiped out, but the entire county of St. Bernard has been destroyed. Nothing can be saved. I have driven over and mapped 2/3 of the entire county so far so that the rescuing can be more efficient, and we can make sure there are no gaps in our feeding stations. I don't need a map anymore, and I feel I know this place better than Kent County.

I spend part of each day walking the streets talking to the people. They tell me their stories, show me their pictures, and tell me their neighbors' and relatives' stories. I know which houses lost a family member in the flood and what states they have been shuffled to. There is no hint of bitterness or complaints, they are matter-of-factly rebuilding their lives and moving forward. In only one couple did I hear a hint of discouragement. After only a few days I feel I know these people better than my own neighbors, and in a brief moment of insanity I have the desire to stay and help them rebuild, because this place is starting to feel like my home too.

7:30AM
The morning meeting and area assignments should be starting now, but with night trapping and morning walks it never begins before 8:30, and people aren't on their way to their areas until 9:30. I have no patience for this waste of time so I email Holly the night before, telling her what area I'll be mapping and patrolling the next day. We're also supposed to go in pairs, but nobody else wants to get up as early as I do, so I go alone. Most pairs spend 5 hours each day in their section. I average 12.

There are only 3 rescue groups still here. The Humane Society took in over $20 million for Katrina rescue, stopped rescuing on Oct. 1, and were gone by Oct. 15. There are thousands of animals left and the number increases every day. Why is this? Because nobody neuters or spays their animals in Louisiana and any animal left inside during the disaster was able to roam freely after the hurricane created broken windows and holes in the houses, and the military broke down doors searching for bodies in early September. The disaster occurred over 75 days ago and the gestation period of cats and dogs is 63 days. Get the picture? What could be 5,000 roaming animals in need of food and care today could be 25,000 next month. We bring in a load of puppies each night. The kittens are eluding us, likely due to the size difference.

8:00
The animals have returned to their hiding places and now I search houses and look for signs of animal activity at feeding stations and elsewhere. Where I see signs of activity I stop and climb through houses. I shove aside toppled furniture and broken televisions, lift up broken beds and rummage through piles of mucky clothing on closet floors. The stench is overpowering. Imagine what the contents of your freezer and refrigerator smell like after they've been tossed all over the house, soaked in muck for weeks, and left for months--and that doesn't include the sewage.

Only about 2% of the residents are around, and most of them just for brief moments-either to see the damage for themselves or meet with their insurance agent. Because I am an animal rescuer and anyone's pet could be in anyone else's home/yard/car at this point, I can pretty much go and do whatever I want, whenever I want. At times I feel Supreme and All Powerful, but then the weirdness and creepiness of it hits me and all I really want to do is get out of their house as fast as I can.

Some people are gutting their houses themselves. They don't seem to have lost their senses of humor, though. "Ex-wife inside" is spray painted on a refrigerator. "1 cent, will finance" is written on a boat. There are boats and cars on houses, sheds on fences, houses in the middle of the street, and garbage everywhere. Some have decorated their trees with ruined belongings. Clothes are the most common items, and I have to say it looks quite festive. Other people have a display of ruined photographs, like you see at a funeral, or a creepy display of dirty dolls and stuffed animals.

1:00PM
I stop by the trailer park on Livingston to tell Nolan I may have located his dog. I met him yesterday and he insisted on feeding me lunch: white bread, tuna fish, and Cajun pickles. The rescue crew wouldn't let him take his dog when he evacuated, so he called a rescue group to pick her up and he hasn't found her yet. He's excited with my news and tells me that if I come visit after he gets her back that I'll get lots of kisses. I'm hoping he's referring to the dog.

2:00
I'm on my feet and asking everyone I see about animals in the area. People are very helpful and grateful that I am doing this--even non-locals. I ask a gutting crew if they have seen any cats around their worksite. One of them asks me if I'm looking for a special one. I smile and tell him they're all special. The guy next to him slaps his thigh and hollers "Sing it, sister!"

2:30
I hit the jackpot. Warehouses full of goods have all been trashed, and I found a restaurant supply warehouse. Boxes full of carry-out styrofoam containers have been thrown out. It is exactly what we need to put food out for the animals. We never have enough aluminum pans, and with all the dusty muck we don't want to put food on the ground because we don't want them to lick up more of it than they already have.

3:00
I'm feeding about a dozen cats near Ventura when I hear a dog barking. Very few abandoned animals could be alive at this point, but if they were left with plenty of food and water the possibility exists. I kick the door in and climb upstairs to find the dog shut in the bathroom. He's skinny but has food and water. I look around and see face masks and gloves, so people have been here and the dog is likely in the bathroom so it doesn't chew on anything mucky. Hmm, they aren't going to be too happy about their front door.

5:40PM
My work in St. Bernard is done for the day. I never get as much done as I would like, but I leave satisfied that the animals have enough food and water to survive until their owners come home, we catch them, or their feeding station is refilled.

I turn into the upper 9th ward. I drive past Louisa street and stare at the bright green house where my rescue cat, Bob, was found. He was pulled out from under the house so I don't know if he had a home or if he was just a neighborhood stray. He is an awesome cat and doesn't seem to miss his past life. He is Master of the house, Boss of the dog, and King of my bed.

I pass the house with the dog carcass on the car roof. Did he just happen to land there when the water subsided, or did he die waiting for one of the too few animal rescuers to find him? St. Bernard will be reinhabited, but the 9th ward will be demolished, so retrieving all the animals is necessary. Momma dog may run out when she hears the bulldozer, but her puppies will be buried alive. No residents have returned to the area, it is virtually silent. The 9th ward was subsidized government housing, so people weren't homeowners, and with nothing salvageable the former inhabitants have no reason to return.

I reach the house on Gallier where a mother dog is hiding. All of the houses are raised about 18 inches and crawling under them is a pain in the butt. The sludge is still everywhere, covering everything. Looking under the house with a flashlight I see no sign of any dogs, but I know she is there. There is no way out and I saw her duck under there when I arrived. People treat the gap under their house like a garage, and it is stuffed with rakes, equipment, and garbage. I crawl under there trying not to touch what’s left of the foundation of the house, lest I jar it and it collapses on me. Hmm, maybe this is another reason we go in pairs. I move items around and a half hour later I give up for the night. I pull out as much junk as I can so next time I will be able to move around more and see better.

The work I'm doing doesn't require my graduate degree, only dedication and determination, but the satisfaction I feel at the end of the day has no equal. The stress is endless. If I don't sort through all the rubble in this house will I miss the cat too weak to make it to the feeding stations? It could easily take 2 hours to comb this house for an animal that may or may not be here, and if I do it will I miss the last bark the dog up the street will give before fading away into darkness? If I look to the left will I miss the animal on the right that just darted under the house? You can't win, but if you don't participate everyone loses. The animals are too terrified to bark or make noise anymore. You have to search every inch because they won't let you know they're there.

7:15
I arrive back in Raceland. I'm exhausted but there is more to be done. I type in my notes and feeding stations for the day and send them to Holly. I call my sister who isn't happy I'm not going to Boston for Thanksgiving to provide moral support for her as other family members descend upon her. It's all for the best, really, because if I hear any more yapping from people on how much money they're blowing on unnecessary material goods I'll have no choice but to flush them down the toilet.

I will spend Thanksgiving out on the streets. I went to Wal-Mart and still need to go to Sam's club for canned food. All the animals in my area will be getting yummy wet food for their Thanksgiving meal. We don't have nearly the food donations we need so I'm having to buy most of it on my own. Then I will probably stop at 247 Friscoville and have a beer with one of my new friends.

7:45
Jerry, my hostess' ex-husband and neighbor comes over like clockwork every night. Jeni went to Texas for a few days so I am here with her 13-yr. old. Jerry senses I have a lot to say, and I tell him about my day. The people are so gracious and generous! "God bless you", "Here, take some water with you, are you hungry?" "We sure do appreciate you", "Come back soon and hang out for a while", "Thank you for all your help". I see some of these people almost every day, and they greet me like a long lost friend each time. I finally break down for the first time this trip, and it isn't even about the animals. It's from the realization that if the tables were turned, I think I would be too full of my own self-pity and misery to have a kind word for anyone……………

Adopt ME!!

Hi! I am Angora. I am soft and cuddly. I love jumping on shoulders.............you think you're far away from the scratching post........then Whump! Here's a picture of me getting my ears cleaned by Bob, our mascot. I am very playful and lots of fun. We black cats regularly get overlooked, but the one who takes the time to meet me will have a lifetime of joy!

Hi! I'm fat Ellie! I am about 4 years old, have no claws, and love to be pet. I don't like the kittens, they are too fast and wiggly for me. I would like to be your only true love--or at least just have maybe only 1 other cat in the home.