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The Journey by Lorraine Houston On Saturday October 2, 2005 in the wee hours of the morning, our convoy of 5 vans pulled into a veterinary clinic in Carleton Place just outside of Ottawa. Our passengers, twenty dogs and one cat from Alexandria, Louisiana were ‘home’ at last - safe and sound. Like most people, I have experienced many adventures in life, but nothing like our trip to Louisiana has thus far been comparable. When I initially saw the post on one of the dog rescue lists asking for folks with a van, a driving partner and a week off to go to Louisiana to help an overcrowded dog shelter, my first reaction was to respond and say “I’ll go!” But I thought better of it (sometimes age and experience has its virtues) and decided to find out more details, plus I had to find a driving partner. I called my friend Deb and bounced the idea off her and although she thought it was a worthy mission, she was unable to get the time off work. I then called Karen who is more like my sister and a cat person through and through. We met many long years ago when we both volunteered for the Scarborough Humane Society. Although our species differ, our passion for the cause does not. I wasn’t sure if she would be agreeable or available, but left a long winded message on her answering machine about the Louisiana post I had read. Much to my surprise, she called back to say she was interested and to go ahead and get more details. And so the story begins. When we (8 Ottawans and 2 Torontonians) left on our journey Saturday
September 24th, spirits were high and the excitement and energy
amongst the group of 10 was charged for the mission ahead. Those
spirits remained unchanged even after we were detained at the border
for over an hour as officials went through our donated items, van
by van. Reloaded and on the road again, our aim for that night was
Nashville, TN. Tired, hungry and running out of gas (both vehicles
and humans) we pulled off the highway in Bowling Green, KY. The
Days Inn across from the restaurant where we ate was just too tempting
and we voted to stay the night. The next day really put our driving
skills to the test as our convoy (which I should add included Canadian
window flags and magnetic signs reflecting our mission) tried desperately
to stay together amongst the endless sea of transport trucks and
motor homes. After driving for what seemed like days, rather than hours, our
lead car radioed to let us know there was a turn off ahead and a
motel not far. After a good night’s rest we were on the road
again (back on the Natchez Trace Parkway). Despite the weather, the gators, the fire ants and driving challenges, we arrived in Louisiana on Monday morning. We unloaded the donations and proceeded to the shelter area where the dogs and cats were being housed. I could barely believe my eyes. I looked and saw row upon row of dogs sometimes 5 and 6 per cage (totaling easily over 100 dogs). The majority of the cages were outside with old battered plywood roofs and dirt floors. It was about 40 degrees celsius and the humidity was unbearable. I looked at the number of dogs and then at our meager convoy of vans. I knew we would only be able to take about 20 dogs back; how and who was going to choose which dogs came with us? My question was soon answered by an elderly woman who introduced herself as the shelter manager. She suggested we take the dogs who had been waiting for homes the longest. She began pointing to dogs and it was all we could do to keep up with her. I abandoned my paper and pen in favour of a leash and just began taking the dogs she pointed at to the air conditioned vans and putting them into the waiting crates. The majority of dogs looked to be mixes of many different breeds, primarily black or golden in colour or a combination of both. Most were so excited to get out of their pens they jumped, bounced, wiggled and licked us the whole way to the vehicles. There were a few timid dogs who were unsure but they seemed to know something good was upon them and followed along. I overheard one of the shelter workers say that some of the dogs had been there since they were puppies; this shelter was all they had ever known. It was heartbreaking in so many ways, but the hardest thing was driving away that day leaving so many behind. We housed ‘our’ dogs for one day in a shelter that doubled as a holding facility and pound. Our dogs, who were pre Katrina, were on one side and the strays and lost Katrina dogs were on the other. While our dogs were out being vetted, I stayed in the shelter and helped clean, feed and water the dogs who remained. Mid morning there was a knock at the door and a young man who looked quite frazzled stood there pressing an official looking document against the glass. From what I gathered his dog was in the shelter and he had come to claim him. As he entered the shelter, he told us that his dog, Sam, had been lost in hurricane Katrina. He said he had recently returned to what was left of the family home in New Orleans to find the document about his lost dog stuck to the front window. He kept repeating “I know he’s here, I know he’s here, it says so on this paper”. The young man was escorted into the kennels and before he had a chance to find his dog, his dog found him. A large framed black Labrador mix began jumping, howling and spinning. The reunion brought tears to all of our eyes as we watched the two embrace. Later that afternoon after all the dogs had been to the veterinarian, we pulled out of the shelter parking area with our charges. Not to be outdone by our trip there, we had several challenges on the way home. Without going into too much detail I will summarize; close encounter with transport truck in rain storm, lost keys, lost convoy members, lost credit card (found keys, found convoy members and found credit card, just in case anyone wondered), bacterial infection in one of the dogs, car trouble (only one!), sleep deprivation, nowhere to get gas, nowhere to get clean water and last but not least nowhere to sleep. What I don’t mention in my list of challenges is the dogs, and you might ask why? Because the dogs were absolutely amazing the whole trip home! We couldn’t have asked for a better, more amicable group of dogs. (I think they probably figured we weren’t too bright and were having enough trouble finding our way home without losing something, or somebody!) Despite the hurdles, we made it home without incident. Some days we felt like we were living a really bad reality show. However, when all is said and done I wouldn’t change a thing. The people we went down with became not only our friends, but our family. The dogs we brought home from Louisiana will remain cherished in our hearts forever. Through them, we were reminded of life’s finer skills and had the opportunity to hone them; patience, determination, problem solving, teamwork, humanity and humility to name just a few. (Thank you to everyone who donated to this endeavor through Pet Valu, Don Mills. Although we were late getting back, I have made arrangements to have all the donations transported to Ottawa this week) ____________________________________________________ The Journey by Sharon McKeil
This was a long, difficult trip. Fifty to sixty percent of shelter dogs test positive for Heartworm. We knew we could not bring back anyone who tested positive for Heartworm as this would put our own dogs at risk. It was heartbreaking to leave behind dogs we had already seen and interacted with because they tested positive. So when we got back we wired enough money to treat all the dogs we left and when they are well enough to travel we are going to Buffalo to meet the shelter manager who will bring them that far for us. They too will start a new life in Ottawa. In November we plan to make another trip to Louisiana to bring more dogs back. Conditions were unbelievably harsh but we realised these people are living this nightmare daily while we just passed through for a few days. Everywhere we went people were very kind to us, when one of our vans broke down a garage repaired it free, when we needed vets on our way back for dogs who developed infections from being recently spayed and put back in filthy kennels, they treated our dogs free, when one of our drivers needed prescription medication because we stayed longer than expected a pharmicist called Ottawa to get the correct pills and dispensed them at no charge The many, many, small kindnesses touched us deeply. We saw devastation, broken families, too many dogs and cats displaced, people under National Guard, with little or nothing to offer but a "thank you, thank you, for coming and caring". Most of us go our whole lives without ever experiencing this kind of heartache and ongoing pain and yet they had time to give us whatever they could. Complete strangers stopped us to say "bless you Canadians for coming all this way to help us". We cried a lot and wished we could do more. This was definitely a life altering experience and our discomfort seemed so petty and unimportant compared to what these people have gone through. We met an extraordinary Veterinarian and his staff who turned their whole clinic over to us for an entire day, made sure we were comfortable with cold drinks and lots of ice while we waited hours and hours for test results and who thanked us over and over for being there. We met a lady who had just escaped Hurricane Rita with nothing but the clothes on her back and her 4 dogs, a man who lost his whole family and clutched his only possession a battered old cat he couldn't leave behind. So hug your dog and your cat who are blissfully unaware that there is any other way to live and be grateful for all you have, it could be taken away in a heartbeat.
______________________________________________________ The Vans
__________________________ The Supplies
_____________________________ We Arrive
_______________________________________________________ The Facility
Man being reunited with his
dog after __________________________________________________ The Ones We Left Behind
____________________________
The Trip!
Great News The eight dogs we left behind have all been successfully We are now in the process of planning our second
big trip to New Orleans _________________________________________________________
Sonia/ADOPTED
Copper with his new sister Mona Copper/ADOPTED Copper with his new sister Mona. Walking the two
of them was quite an experience I'll tell you! He's settling in
quite nicely. Still has some food issues but time will take care
of that. He's on medication for eye and ear infections, a parasite
and possible mange. Mona loves him and won't let him out of her
sight. He doesn't like the rain so we have to put him on a leash
to go out to do his business when it's raining. He sleeps through
the night on his bed next to Mona's bed and our bed.
Prince Edward/ADOPTED
Fannie/ADOPTED
Joee/ADOPTED Starvin' Marvin/ADOPTED In the foster's own words
Sally/ADOPTED In The Foster's Own Words Sally is doing much better. Still quite nervous,
she is learning to trust and has become extremely attached (us too
sniff sniff). We are currently working with a lady, Cheryl, that
does Tellington Touch and it is really helping. We had a play date
last night with Cheryl and her dog Kiera and both Sally and Milly
had a super time. Milly actually ran!!!! Yes, actually got up to
a speed that could be considered faster than a walk!!! Oh, if you
didn't know, Milly is my incredibly spoilt Bichon that was rescued
by BARK earlier this year. She's so spoilt she's putrid!!!!!! Back
to Sally..... It was so heart-warming to see Sally running around
like a puppy. She really doesn't know how to play so watching Kiera
play stick was quite an event. Sally had obviously been crated for
a long time in Louisiana because her legs are quite weak and she
was rather chubby when I got her but she is now getting a waist
(too bad foster Mom isn't!! - no comments you guys!!). She continues
to be a bit clumsy but with time, and muscle, this will disappear.
Sally is a lovely and loving animal who just wants to be part of
a family and taken care of. Milly quite likes her too which says
alot!! Sally has had some incredible break-through's lately and
is now able to get up on my bed to sleep, likes to lie on the couch
and will come through the back door without too much goading. Sally
doesn't like doorways and we continue to work on it. I think that
its because she doesn't think she's going to be let back in if she
leaves and that terrifies her. She is such a love.......sniff sniff.
Sandy/ADOPTED
Scooter/ADOPTED
Buster/ADOPTED
Connie/ADOPTED
DILLON /ADOPTED Dillon is back in form, yesterday he had a good
long stretch on his back
Cricket/ADOPTED
Miss Georgia Brown (Fancy) From Georgia Brown's New Mom It was a long but magical night ! Georgia's water
sac broke at 9:30 pm and the first BIG pup was born at 12:30 a.m.
The remaining 5 pups (2 smaller ones, and 3 BIG ones) were born
at 30 to 50 minute intervals.
_____________________________________ The Family Brown Update - WEEK 2
On Wednesday, November 16, the pups turned 2 weeks old. Everyone is happy, healthy and growing like a weed! All the pups have more than doubled their birth weight and already, all of them have given up ‘’swimming’’ for walking as a favored mode of transportation. But no open eyes yet…it should be very soon. The pups had their first nail trim this week to keep Mom comfortable when they charge in for their feedings.
As for Georgia, she seems a little overwhelmed with the whole thing at times (wouldn’t you?), so we are introducing her to some new activities away from the pups including ‘’post partum blues shopping’’ for a new red leather collar and leash to lift her spirits.
We were thrilled when Dr. Katharine Jones from the Carling Animal Hospital was over to visit with the family and gave everyone a clean bill of health. She even calls in every few days to see how everyone is holding up – including my husband and I! Boy, we have never done so much laundry and examined so many body parts on a daily basis! It’s a lot of work to go from NO DOG to 7 DOGS, but the pay-off is sooooooooooo wonderful J. Thank you B.A.R.K. for giving us this opportunity. And thank you Georgia for letting us cuddle with your monsters!
Here are a few pix from Week 1 and a bit of insight on each pup in their 2nd week. We have painted their toe nails orange, blue and red to identify the 3 similar-looking males. None of them look anything like Georgia… The difference in the look of the pups probably means Georgia was gracious with her favors ;-)
BLACK FEMALE was the runt at birth and is still the smallest pup but she’s gaining weight well. She is walking very well for her size, but prefers to spend most of her time sleeping on her back with her front paws stretched right up in the air - just like her mom does!
BROWN FEMALE is one of the largest pups weighing in at 3 lbs already! Maybe we’ll start calling her The Big Mama!
ORANGE MALE is a low key kinda guy so far, but we all know to watch out for the quiet ones….
BLUE MALE is not gaining weight as quickly as his siblings this week, but since he started off as a heavyweight at birth, we are not too concerned.
RED MALE is also not gaining weight as much weight and is now as small a Black Female. We’re looking out for him all the time, making sure he gets a good serving of Georgia’s milk and is kept extra cozy. Luckily, he is as active and alert as the others. His coat has been changing to a grayish-brown tone over the last week. It’ll be interesting to see the final results.
THE TRUCKSTER – as we have affectionately named him – is the odd ball in every sense of the word. He’s fat (rolls included) and stocky. His color and markings are different, his head and neck are thick and oversized, he’s got a pink nose and pink toes, and he’s the king of whiners in the bunch! His first few days of walking were very entertaining….because of the size of his head, he would nose-dive after 3-4 steps! Things have improved over the last couple of days and he can keep his head up for longer road trips.
Visit the website regularly for further updates and photographs of Georgia and the Family Brown as the weeks go by.
Lyn & Scott Richmond, ON
The Truckster
My Life Will Never Be The Same
Snuggle Time
Cuddles With Black Girl
______________________________________________
Bambi with her brother Ozzy(also adopted from B.A.R.K.)
LOUISIANA (AKA BAMBI)/ADOPTED
Molly/ADOPTED In the foster's own words Hi. My name is Molly. I am a German Shepherd mix rescued from Hurricane Katrina by the wonderful people from B.A.R.K. I am between 1 and 2 years old and I weigh in at about 30 lbs. I was a little shy and timid at first, but with some loving encouragement from my foster mom and dad I now love to play and cuddle. I also give great hugs, so I've been told. I love eating pigs ears and marrow bones, and I love walks and my new rope toy. I love children, and I am a bit nervous around other dogs, but my foster brothers Axel and Cooper are helping me get over that and now we play, play, play. If you are interested in adopting me, please contact my friends
at B.A.R.K.
Gerald/ADOPTED
Marbles /ADOPTED
Rowan /ADOPTED The Katrina Dogs Part Two
When
we went to Louisiana the first time we had to leave They have all been successfully treated for Heartworm. Some of them had terrible dental problems which have now been attended to. We can only imagine how difficult it has been for them to even eat but their will to survive is very strong. Most of them are terrified but settled into their foster homes and then adoptive homes very well. They are all very thin. If you can provide a stable loving home for any of these available dogs please contact us. We are currently fundraising to cover the cost of their dental surgeries. The Cats The cats we rescued need immediate medical
attention
Sweetums This
beautiful 5 year old orange tabby is adorable, affectionate and
an excellent house cat. She is presently in a foster home. As written by Caroline Shultz Hi my name is Sweetums. I am an orange female tabby.
Louisa (lactating Mother)/Adopted
Milly(burned kitten)/Adopted This
wonderful girl is about 2 years old. She is a victim
Krystal/Adopted
Legacy
Sid/Adopted
Belle/Adopted
Grandpa Gorilla/Adopted
Hannah, Milly and Dr Helen Douglas
Kadie/Adopted
Sparkles/Adopted
Lin/Adopted
Annie/Adopted Annie
had a litter of 5 beautiful puppies just after Christmas
Legacy/Adopted
Katrina/Adopted
_______________________________________________________ Rescued Dog
"No one again will hurt you," was whispered
in my ear. I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in
fear. She said, "We are a circle, a line that never
ends. She said, "There is a family, that's waiting
patiently, I waited very patiently, the days they came and
went. Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that
be. Arlene Pace
Rescued Dog
"No one again will hurt you," was whispered in my ear.
I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear. She said, "We are a circle, a line that never ends. She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently, I waited very patiently, the days they came and went. Now every night I say a prayer to all the Gods that be. Arlene Pace
_________________________
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" – still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch, because your touch was now so infrequent – and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You’ve made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son’s fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don’t let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet, and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads, and asked "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you – that you had changed your mind – that this was all a bad dream .... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?" Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I’m so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself, a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of . I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
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Before I was a Dog Mom: I made and ate hot meals
unmolested. Before I was a Dog Mom: I didn't worry if my plants,
cleansers, plastic bags, toilet paper, soap or deodorant
"Paws With Love To Share"
Many of our members have been volunteering with their therapy dog(s) for over a decade. These people bring to Therapeutic Paws of Canada a wealth of experience and expertise working with seniors and canines. We know from experience that there are many seniors that do not have the advantage of a therapy dog visit. Some of these seniors have outlived their relatives and have no one to visit them. Sometimes they are in a facility that is a distance from their family making regular visits for them very difficult. We help to fill a need and bring a little sunshine to their lonely day. A future endeavor is to bring a dog awareness programme into our schools. It is important to reach children of all ages and teach them the do's and don'ts of being around dogs. We welcome dedicated individuals to join us in building this exciting new therapy dog organization. The Therapeutic Paws of Canada organization is based on the needs of the community and the volunteer's simple request to "just let me visit with my dog". We are not a multi level hierarchy of management; however, to safely administer each region we require Team Leaders and Registered Evaluators. To qualify as a Registered Evaluator with Therapeutic Paws of Canada a candidate must demonstrate significant knowledge of dog behavior and possess hands-on dog experience gained from such activities as obedience instructor, shelter worker, dog groomer, vet tech or they may be involved in other dog activities such as agility, tracking or flyball. For those interested in either of these positions please contact the name below. Our volunteers are covered by insurance when visiting on behalf of Therapeutic Paws of Canada. Each canine volunteer in our visiting programme is required to successfully complete an assessment, proving they have the instincts and personality of a good therapy dog. These dogs are to display temperament that shows confidence, good manners and sociability with other dogs and people. The Therapeutic Paws of Canada Therapy Dog Evaluation is a well-developed evaluation. A nominal fee will be charged for this assessment. In keeping with current safety factors governing volunteers our members must submit three references that will be verified. The members must submit to a police records check prior to visiting on behalf of Therapeutic Paws of Canada. If you feel our programme offers what you've been looking for, then join us and make a difference in your community. To discuss our programme in greater detail please contact
United
Way: Directed Donations To make a donation, simply provide your United Way canvasser with our full name (Bytown Association for Rescued Kanines) and charitable registration number: 868956418RRR0001. Income tax receipts for these "directed donations" are issued in the same fashion as regular United Way contributions.
Donation Boxes
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