Hurricane Katrina Rescue Diary

	September 08, 2005

Thursday, September 08, 2005
From Debbie Hill, director of Rescues & Investigations

This morning, Brett and Tim left for New Orleans. The headquarters for the pet rescue operations occurring there is the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. The rest of us have a base camp in the Gulfport area.

Debbie, Robb and Kyle use a tree trunk to cross a sewer water-filled ditch to reach the Weimaraner and basset mix.

Kyle, Robb and I returned to the demolished neighborhood to rescue the basset mix who wouldn’t come with us yesterday; today we convinced her to join us.  She will stay with her Weimaraner buddy in our animal trailer until our next trip to Hattiesburg where a temporary animal shelter has been set up.

The days are filled with our staff responding to reports of trapped pets, delivering pet food to needy families and receiving found pets by good Samaritans.  A human Search & Rescue group brought an injured baby squirrel to us.  We rescued a lost Lhasa Apso near the VA hospital.  While on patrol, we stop to talk to everyone we see to ask if they’ve seen lost pets or know anyone who needs us. 

Robb and the reluctant basset mix, now in safe hands.

Everyone is extremely appreciative of our work.  People sitting on piles of rubble that used to be their homes will wave and say, "Thank you!" and "God bless you!"

A rescued Weimaraner and Debbie

There is very much an armed presence.  We’ve seen law enforcement agencies and/or search & rescue teams with cadaver dogs from all over the country, including Kentucky, Alabama, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland.  National Guard troops with automatic weapons are riding through the area on ATVs.  We’ve seen animal rescue groups from Florida and Maryland. 

Kyle and a thirsty Lhasa Apso rescued from near the gulf

On Friday, we will expand our rescue efforts westward for hard-hit Waveland/Bay St. Louis/Pass Christian areas in Hancock County.  FEMA won’t let anyone advance closer without permission, photo IDs, badges and placards on their vehicles.

Standard Operating Procedure: Upon arrival to each new town, Humane Society of Missouri staffers talk to rescuers, law enforcement and local citizens to learn where pets need help. Here, Brian and Tim meet with a National Guard patrol.