Back of Katrina! Hurricanes can't keep me from my BPO!!!

[Scootergirl]

I'm BAAAAAAAACCCKK K!!

We just got power back at the house today. I'm so happy! The first thing I did was log onto BPO to let you all know that I am OK, the house is fine, except for about 50 missing shingles, the dogs and cats are all safe and sound and I am so blessed. We missed this total destruction by about 40 miles.

I want to thank you all so much for your well-wishes and especially TINA for calling me Monday morning as the hurricane was still going over us and again Monday evening before we lost phone service to double check on me. Tina called me before my family even called to check in. I really can't express how wonderful it is to have such good friends that I have never even met face to face.

Now, I know Tina has told you all about Noah's Wish and a bunch of you have checked them out and decided to send donations. Thank you, they will need it. They decided to go to Slidell where their services were needed more than Houma.

However, Houma has received hundreds of refugees from New Orleans who were literally plucked off their rooftops with only the clothes on their backs and their pets - of all sizes.

The local animal shelter has set up temporary housing for the pets, but these families are expected to be stuck here for months. They are is desperate need of large crates, leashes, collars, bleach, litter boxes, mops, food, cat litter.

If you are able, please send donations of gift cards to PetSmart, PetCo or Wal-Mart or checks to The Humane Society of Houma-Terrebonne, P.O. Box 1810, Gray, LA  70359. Please indicate that your donation is for hurricane pet relief. All donations are tax deductible and you will receive a letter in response to your donation with our non-profit tax i.d. # for your taxes.

I am watching the news for the first time since the hurricane hit and cannot help buy crying when I see the pictures of New Orleans and all the helpless, displaced people and families. It looks like a nuclear bomb was dropped on the city - places I've visitied dozens of times are no longer there. My sister's house in the Gentilly section of New Orleans is presumably gone, but we won't even be able to get in there to check for weeks or months.

Please, friends, if you haven't already reached out to Noah's Wish, send what you can to help these pets taking refuge here. Even if it's only $5.00 or $10.00 it all adds up and it will take away one of the worries of these families who cared enough to make sure their pets got out, too.

I love you all and thank you so much for thinking of me during the storm,
Jeanne

[Kermit]

Whoa, I am so glad you are ok. What a scary situation! I can't even imagine. Thanks for putting the address for donations, I think I'll send a Petsmart gift card.
My heart goes out to everyone and their pets in Louisiana.

[Scootergirl]

After not being able to sleep all night Sunday and Monday morning because of the horrendouse wind and my house groaning like it was going to fall apart, the worst part for me was being without power for almost 4 days.

It's so intolerable hot here and I'm such a wimp, I guess. I haven't had a good night's sleep since the night of the storm because we had no A/C and I was sweating like a pig. My husband actually got up and slept on the couch Tues. night 'cause I was thrashing around so much trying to get comfortable.

We did have a nice time sitting outside and enjoying each other's company in the evenings, though since we couldn't watch TV. There's a silver lining to every cloud!

[brigid67]

I can't celieve how bad things are in the south...I just watch in complete shock...it is absolutely terrible.  I am glad everyone here is ok.  I am also going to get a donation card at petsmart tomarrow...  everyine continue to stay safe.
Timmie

[smohr]

Jeanne,
So glad you, your family and pets are safe.  It is horrendously sad about all the devestation in so much of the south.  We have sent a large donation for the humans suffering there and have to wait till payday to make another for the pet population. 

[DixieSugarBear]

Hi Jeanne, 

So glad you have power now.  You don't know how great that is until you have spent an Aug. day in the south without it.  I hope you get a great night sleep in the cool.  When we got ours back the fur-babies were so happy.  We used the generator to run a small ac for their room but that was just not eough. Just as soon as we can get some gas I plan to go to the local shelter and see what we can do for the pets. 

Lisa

[Scootergirl]

Thanks, everyone. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes because of your generosity.

I received a call a little while ago from a vet in Thibodaux (neighbor to Houma). They have a temp. shelter for refugees from N.O. and their pets as well. They have a red merle australian shepherd who was left behind with a note on her today that read "Sue the Street Car driver. I have to leave, but cannot take my dog with me. I am leaving her behind to be fostered or adopted. Please take care of her."

Apparently, the owner lost two other dogs to the flood and escaped with just this dog. I'm not sure exactly what the note means, but we do know the owner is gone. She left a New Orleans cell phone number, but no one can call long distance here and all 504 area code lines are down.  I am trying to get her accepted into our foster program right now, but our foster coordinator is not home. I will have a tough time fitting her in here, but we love aussies and my husband is ready to go get her right now (at least he was before I clogged up the washing machine washing dog towels. He's not speaking to me right now).

Anyway, get the word out for me that this little girl needs a home. I think the vet who called will do anything to help place her (vaccinations, spay, etc.). She says she is beautiful, very well-mannered, kennel-trained, not aggressive, not leash trained, but very sweet.

I'm sure we'll be hearing more of these stories as the weeks go by, unfortunately.

Jeanne

[Scootergirl]

Canada Wal-Marts are just as good as U.S. Wal-Marts, I'm sure. The good thing about sending the cards is that if we get all we need here, we can send the cards on to another rescue organization that still needs supplies.

I repeat again: you guys are the BEST!!

And, I am working on finding a way right now to get into the New Orleans area to check on these reports of people who have left their pets behind. I have some addresses that I sent out before the storm hit and I am trying to find out if they were checked on yet. The news says they are not letting anyone in yet except rescue personnel. I hope they will see me as that.

[brandon]

There are a couple of rescue organizations that have been activated and are working on getting them out as I understand it.  Some of them seem to be just lip service, but I know there are others that don't seem to be.  I would think working with one of them would be the best bet.

http://www.petfinder.com/disaster/

[dohertyswissy]

I am sooo glad you are okay.  Thank you for all the information about how to help.  I'll swing by the Petsmart today after work.

My heart is just broken by all the devastation caused by Katrina.  I just feel like I wish there was something more that I could do, although I know I'm doing all I can.

I'm with Tina, though.  There is so much anarchy going on right now.  Please, please wait until the situation is under control.  I know that is frustrating, but I would be sick if something happened....

[Scootergirl]

I don't think they'd let me in anyway. They are letting residents in this weekend to check their houses, grab what they can and leave right away and you have to have a Jefferson Parish driver's license even to get in.

Good News: I got the aussie at the Thibodaux shelter. She is beautiful. After dropping her off at my house, I drove straight to the radio station and told her plight on air. I already have 8 inquiries on her and expect at least 3 applications for her by Monday!!

[Rocky's 'Rents]

God bless you Jaime! I hope you find her a good home.

[dohertyswissy]

That is great news!  Please keep us posted on her progress in finding a forever home and anything we can do to assist in the rescue efforts. 

[Scootergirl]

I received a call from a Noah's Wish volunteer this morning. There are 3 cats still stuck in a Metairie house. Their owners are in Tennessee and can't get back. I am going to the State Trooper station today to see if they will let me go in to Jefferson Parish (which isn't flooded like Orleans) to get them.

Wish me luck! And the kitties!!

[DixieSugarBear]

Good luck with the kitties.