Orphaned Katrina Dogs Seek Homes In Newtown

By John Voket

With tails wagging tentatively, but looking somewhat disoriented, a foursome of black mutts from the Katrina ravaged communities around New Orleans arrived in Newtown Wednesday, one year to the day from when they began roaming through what many described as a postapocalyptic landscape.

The mixed-breed orphans of various ages and sizes will be offered for adoption to local families through the local Canine Advocates organization.

If the four dogs are not placed by September 10, at least two of them will be featured that day at a pet adoption fair planned at the Mt Pleasant Animal Hospital. According to a representative of KAT5, the grassroots rescue organization that delivered the dogs Wednesday, there were approximately 30,000 stray dogs roaming in and around New Orleans before Katrina hit last August.

But within a few days, that number swelled to more than 130,000 strays, a major portion of the more than 200,000 estimated to have been released throughout the hurricane zone following back-to-back storms.

Corresponding from the road, where she was busy delivering other strays, Susan Meyer, a spokesperson for KAT5, said her grassroots nonprofit made significant headway in acquiring displaced animals and finding placement opportunities in a broadening range of locations, including here in Newtown.

“Our cause was designed for the protection of animals when natural or manmade disasters strike, and to protect animals when they are discovered to be in harm’s way,” Ms Meyer wrote. “KAT5 Animal Rescue is comprised of people who came together in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.”

 She said all of America saw the images on the national news of animals floating on debris, trapped in houses and waiting.

“These animals were waiting for someone to rescue them. Many residents were forced to evacuate without their animals. And the authorities were ignoring and, at times, exacerbating the situation,” she said.

Her group’s original core members were moved to take action as the clock ticked and these animals’ lives were left in the balance in New Orleans and the surrounding area.

“These animals were hungry, thirsty, confused, and scared. Owners were in tears. The levees overflowed after Hurricane Rita and more animals perished. The situation went from bad to worse but we did not give up hope and continued our efforts to save as many as we could,” she said.

Ms Meyers downplays the heroic work that was done, although thousands of animals were saved, moved to shelters, and then were moved on into other safe havens around the United States.

“The ad hoc group that joined forces during those months now intends to develop a sound base for future operations as KAT5 Animal Rescue,” she said.

Local businessperson Matthew DeAngelis, who runs a family foundation that supports canine rescue causes, said he learned about the group and its mission from a friend at Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in New York State. She called him looking for assistance in placing more than 120 dogs from the Southeastern hurricane zone.

“Those dogs are being placed all over the country,” Mr DeAngelis said. “Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason agreed that we could help the cause.”

While Mr DeAngelis helped make the connection between Canine Advocates and KAT5, Ms Mason was charged with the difficult task of picking four from among the nine dogs traveling to the area Wednesday.

“I almost went down there when they were looking for people to break in to feed and give water to stranded animals,” Mr DeAngelis said. “Some of these poor dogs were stuck in houses without food or water for weeks.”

Local residents wishing to inquire about the dogs may contact the animal shelter at 426-6900.

Anyone wishing to support the KAT5 cause can make a tax-deductible contribution via a Paypal donation link by visiting NeGaCanineAngels.com, and then clicking on How You Can Help; follow directions to contact KAT5 representatives or donate safely through PayPal. The organization recently established its federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.