Date: September 5, 2005
Time: 3:41 pm EST
Re: Hurricane Katrina Rescue Efforts
From: Diane

The most amazing thing happened to us last when we returned from our second trip transporting animals back from Mississippi. As we pulled into the shelter parking lot we noticed quite a few cars and some people walking around. We had just assumed that they were some workers waiting to help us bring the animals in the shelter.

Instead, as we came around back there were about 70 people welcoming our arrival. Some were shelter workers however most were volunteers or people from the community that just wanted to come down and help out.

Two volunteers were assigned to each animal. They formed a line and we handed the animals from the unit right into the arms of the waiting volunteers. They gave the dogs hugs and kisses and made them feel welcomed and loved. Next the dogs were bathed in kiddie pools, dried off and brought into the shelter where they were given initial examinations.

I have never seen anything like it. What a terrific experience. Everyone really pulling together, not only to clean and care for the dogs, but a welcoming committee set up to greet and show support for the animals. The shelter didn't even know these people were going to be there. These great people read about the story online and wanted to come down and get involved.

Thank you all for your love and support for the rescue mission and for taking such excellent care of the dogs upon their arrival. I know they appreciated it!

Our two rescue vans came in this morning to the shelter to transport 34 more animals back to the League. Tomorrow the mobile unit will be departing with between 35 and 40 animals as well. Many of the dogs rescued will be from one of the shelters that were directly in the storm’s path.

These animals have been through so much. We can not wait until we return so that they can be placed into loving homes soon. They are all so nice and friendly even after all they have been through.

Diane