BAYOU RESCUE

NC bound hounds

OK - so more like terriers and dachshund mixes. A million thanks to Pam Sullivan and Best Buddies for fostering 3 munchkins, and to Julie Jones for offering a short term foster for a fourth smiley playful gal (pics to follow).  This crew will arrive around late night Wed with Lynn Burcher & Russell - as you can see this gal just got the news and is TICKLED!  They will go to their new fosters on Thursday, but really NEED FOREVER HOMES!!  We can vouch in advance for their gratitude!

Also, we're looking for a special home for "Janet," a calm golden brown gal who was born with small eyes and has some limited vision.  Just close your eyes, feel her luxurious fur, and she'll guide you..(she's easy on a leash too).  She's one of the few left at Muttshack in N.O., which will be closed tomorrow.  This lady has no biz in the left-overs category, so we're hoping for a foster or forever home that can SEE her real beauty. Meredith is taking a leap of faith and going to get her tomorrow afternoon, in hopes that she can relax in your home soon.

411 & 911

These links address current status, needs, and info on what you can do (NOW) to help the thousands of  disaster survivors that still need your help. Please understand that this effort is in a new phase, but is far from over:

1) For detailed info on current status and needs in MS and LA, see the Assessment of Greater New Orleans and Gulf Coast Region as of Nov 20, 2005  or the 11/22/05 press release from Best Friends

2) Petition to urge the national animal organizations to return to the the disaster area and allot donated funds to finish the job of rescuing these animals

3) VOLUNTEER at one of the many organizations that are still taking in and caring for hundreds of animals left behind, such as Best Friends, HS of So. MS, or HS of LA.  See pdf below for a direct request for volunteer needs from Best Friends.
Download BFVolunteer.pdf

4) FOSTER or ADOPT an animal from your local organization that has been involved in this relief effort!!!   If you are a 501c3 no-kill foster organization that can foster animals, PLEASE contact the rescue sites directly or email us. If you are an individual who would like to foster, contact your local groups and let them know. Currently there is a bottleneck at the remaining no-kill sites such as Best Friends - they can only take in what they can foster out!!!! There are pets still out on the streets, that need vet care and time to find their person or a new home.

5) Support  H.R. 3858, Pet Evacuation and Safety Standards Act, to require state and local agencies that receive federal funding to implement planning for people with pets or service animals to safely evacuate with their animals in the event of a disaster.   You can reach your representative by calling the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Or, send an e-mail or letter to your representative. Find contact information here.

Family Reunion

3 beagles that we met at Best Friends were taken into foster at Triangle Beagle Rescue, and now their people have been found.  Lynn Burcher took "DEUCE,"  "ACE" & "BILOXI" from Chapel Hill, NC to Best Friends at Tylertown for a special reunion TODAY.  Here's her update:

"We arrived in Tylertown safe and sound.  The beagles could not have been better travelers and were so thrilled to be reunited after months apart.  The female panicked whenever the smaller male left her side.  Best Friends is returning them to their owner this afternoon.  That man surely is lucky to have such precious dogs.
The size of the Best Friends operation is astounding.  Hundreds of animals...  I am glad we will be helping the Humane Society of Louisiana, however,  because they are down to as low as 2 or 3 volunteers and 3 staffers for 150 animals.  We have our work cut out for us after we get a little sleep."

A SIDE NOTE -  The #  of animals that Lynn is reporting is considerably higher that any other time at B.F. since Katrina.  We at BayouRescue think the growing # of animals at Best Friends is likely due to upcoming closure of several rescue sites such as Belle Chase, WinnDixie, and MuttShack (this Wed), in combination with the continued efforts to rescue literally thousands still roaming in affected areas. FOSTERS AND TRANSPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED!!!

DEPARTURE TUES 5:00 PM

ARRIVAL WED 7:45 PM - Final Destination HOME. SHOWER. BED.
After a few 'road blocks' and detours for fatigue, Dave finally made it home in time for tofurky.  Also in new digs are: the Rednose Girl and her Boxer Boy Buddy in Olar SC; Tupelo to Ann in CLT; "Charlotte" found a forever home in Charlotte;  Cane is now in a safe place at Gil-Ann's in Fuquay;  and Bijou the black lab traveled on to Chapel Hill for her forever home with Megan Hobbs.

It takes a village to save a carload.  So many people helped in so many ways.  Meredith McLanahan in N.O. drove 6 hours to save Bijou the black lab for her adopter, and has provided vet care for Tupelo and others. (She even bought Tupelo this fancy coat for his new climate in NY).  She helped dave with the 5 canine pick ups in the N.O. area, and even took him to a real french bakery in N.O. early that a.m. (Daves 1st cup o'java, but not his last).  Susan Meyer helped to solicit enough donations to cover gas for the return trip and one flexcrate (see folks on the Friends list) and coordinated foster for the bonded pair from WD.  Gail Posey from SC not only took in the bonded pair but was also waiting for Dave and gave him a crate to travel on with Tupelo, Dave didn't have to make another Walmart stop enroute. Ann Jordan in Charlotte has been caring for evacuee "Charlotte" and will be transporting Tupelo.  She even had lunch in a bag for Dave so he could eat on the run.  Christine McGrath from Chapel Hill dropped her T-day meal making, loaded her 2 boys, and met Dave in Charlotte to bring Cane and Bijou to their new home. At 6-7 hour RT, no small feat for her, and a BIG DEAL for Dave, who would've had to add 6-7 hours to his already 25 hour trip without her help.

Of course without fosters and adopters such as Meredith, Ann, Gail, Gil-Ann, and Megan, these dogs would never have a place to go, and each one would still be in their cages, on the street, or not here at all.  And without donations big and small, there would never be any resources to get them here.  If you know a person that has donated to this cause - tell them thanks (many of them have never met us).  If you can support a business such as Weaver St. or Tony Hall and Assoc. that have also dontated, please do so.  If you said prayers for Dave's safe return with precious cargo, then add a 'thanks' prayer today.

For each of you, and many others who we have never met, or maybe didn't get your contact info- for all of you, on this special day, WE ARE FOREVER THANKFUL.  Rest assured that your kindness, in all ways, has made a life changing difference in the lives of all these animals - and has been an inspiration to all of us who love them.

The work of many

Today was a busy day.  Mutt Shack got a wake up call by the military @ 4:00 a.m. to rescue a pack of dogs. Similar scenes are played out still, all day at ARNO, WinnDixie/Grassroots rescue, and Best Friends.  Please do not think that these places are finished with their work - and they need you!

On the BayouRescue front, Dave made it to Jackson around noon, where he tried to load up on supply requests for Grassroots and MuttShack.  Here in Banner Elk, I was working the phone (dialing the calling card number each time) and email trying to save several highly adoptable surrenders from the Roicy Animal control in Lafayette, trying to get info to all the fosters, contact rescue sites, etc.  Couldn't figure the logistics of Dave driving from Jackson, to Lafayette, to pick up dogs in a wagon full of supplies, and getting to WD and MuttShack in time to unload, intake, outtake 5 dogs from 3 places, and drive back to be in Olar SC tomorrow. WHEW

Dave was quite relieved when I recommend he sleep tonight, for safety and sanity's sake.  So after he finished all his deliveries around 8:00, he got to meet up with his old college roommate, a local jazz guitarist who has also offered a couch and a place to shower.  Meredith, who drove 6 hrs to save an dog for a super adopter, and has fostered Tupelo, will keep several new companions in her home tonight. Tomorrow Dave will help Meredith walk the newest rescues at 7:30 am, nap, then begin the gathering and delivering of Tupelo, Cane, a bonded boxer and pitbull, and one more TBD.

Special deliveries will now be made in SC & NC on WED a.m.  Just in time for a taste of tofurky!

MEREDITH AND DAVE - you get the gold stars for today!!

3rd Time...

Another few 'charms.'  Dave left for TRIP #3 to the gulf area around 5:00pm est (I'm keeping my sick germs here at command central). This is primarily a transport mission only. 1st stop Best Friends warehouse Mon. a.m. to pick up blankets & beds for the animals at Grassroots/WD and MuttShack - it's getting colder.  He's 'on reserve' to pick up some highly adoptables in the 11th hour from a high kill shelter in Lafayette  By tomorrow p.m. he'll leave with precious cargo to arrive Tues a.m: a boxer and pitbull 'buddy pair,' to Olar SC, a mix named "Tupelo" to Charlotte, and "Cane" and "Charlotte" to Best Buddies in the triangle (THANKS to Christine McGrath for taking that last leg for Dave!!!).  Trying to figure out potential to squeeze one more into the wagon - we weren't able to procure a cargo van this trip.  Please send lots of good vibes, prayers, and maybe some coffee Dave's way - With all the 'deliveries' included, we're figuring 35 + hours driving in 2 days. SUPER DAVE!!!

Time is running out...

We all know that far too many animals are euthanized every day, all over the country.  Since Katrina, the gulf area animals have been 'hit' in many ways - more have been surrendered, more are still roaming lost, and finally - all the kind folks that used to help these animals through adoption and fostering aren't there anymore.  So when animals do get discarded, they get very, very little time, and an even smaller chance of being adopted.  Currently the situation near N.O. is getting more dire as hunting dogs such as labs and beagles are being dumped daily for not hunting well.  The 'euthanasia' is by gas, and many dogs are only getting 2 days.  To help,  PLEASE LOOK FOR YOUR NEW PET in your local shelter, or rescue group, or on Petfinder, and consider becoming a foster home in your area.  Helping in this way opens up space for other places to take in these animals that also urgently need a second chance.  THIS  LAB WAS PULLED on 11/21, but we could only take out what we have foster spaces for. She's loving, spayed, and are immediately up for adoption as are countless others. Helping them all starts with one. It's a cycle.  Won't you open your home and heart?

Making a Difference 1 at a Time

...and HOPEFULLY MORE.
This guy, "Cane" is at MuttShack Rescue, but we weren't able to find a foster home for him before we left N.O. last week.  Cane was picked up on 11/4, and his chart has comments like "Terrified," "Trembling," and "Very Fearful" all over it.  He wouldn't even eat for 4 days.  We spent several days there, and each day he had to be coaxed out of his crate to go for a walk.  Gil-Ann has offered to take him in through Best Buddies, and give him special TLC.  So we are looking at making a transport only trip, with Dave driving alone both ways to rescue this dog that isn't doing well in his environment.

IF ANY RESCUE GROUP HAS OTHER DOGS THAT NEED TRANSPORT FROM N.O. to GA, SC, or North Carolina, PLEASE call us ASAP.  This will likely happen SUN, MON, or TUES 11/20, 11/21, 11/22. We'd love the chance to bring others back on the same trip, and would like assistance with sharing expenses for gas, as we haven't held any back for additional trips.  Dave can be reached at 919-260-1955.

STILL WAITING...

THESE KATRINA RESCUES ARE HOPING YOU'LL BE THEIR 2nd CHANCE:

After 4 weeks locked in a house with no food, LOUIE, a black sheperd mix, was rescued by the HSLA.  He is now in foster with Kelly Ronnow at Happy Hills.  At first, he showed signs of food aggression with other animals.  Not surprising, after almost having starved to death.  Now that he's been in a home with other dogs and knows that food won't run out, he seems to have overcome his food issues. (CHECK OUT THE VIDEO FOOTAGE BELOW).  Louie has even made friends with Kelly & Rob's other dogs, and would like to go to a home with another dog playmate.  To meet Louie, please email Kelly.

Download 000_0143.MOV

BERNIE was found on the streets of New Orleans just a few weeks ago, and we brought him back from MuttShack.  This hound/boxer/mastiff? mix is a lover of all people, and hung out at the Alsobrooks house before going to Deb Grissom's for short term foster while he gets 'tutored.' We here he's providing help around the office as well.=.  Compared to our "well trained" dogs, this dog is like a vacation on a leash.  He also knows sit and shake, and is the only male dog we've ever introduced that has not once 'marked' in the house.  He is seeking a home free of cats but full of love, tummy rubs, and at least one fleece security pillow.  He offers much in return.  Bernie will be adopted through New Leash on Life . For more info, email us.

RUFUS the black lab has been adopted, but there are NUMEROUS more black labs available through the MuttShack.  Email us if you'd like more info.  Black labs aren't easily adopted in that area, even though the are certainly highly adoptable and most all will  make great pets.

What  sweethearts! Louie and Lola are lab/hound mixes. Louie has  a big smile and a happy personality. He loves taking long walks and playing with the other dogs in his foster home. His sister Lola, is a bit more shy, but has been coming out of her shell in her new foster home.  These two are available (separately or together) at Independent Animal Rescue

Amazing Katie is a Hurricane Katrina survivor who rescued her kittens from flooded water! This glossy black kitty is a lovebug and full of affection for people. Katie would love to be adopted with Sammy, one of her new NC friends!  Her kittens are almost illegally cute (this coming from a dog person). For pictures of these kittens "hanging on for survival" until the Stroms rescued, see the 9/27/05 entry "if you only read one thing" . Sadly, all the hardship this tiny family suffered claimed the life of a third kitten shortly after the Strom's brought him back to NC.  Please consider providing a happier ending to these other cats & kittens who have already been through so  much. For pictures of Mardi and Missi provided by loving foster Helen Needham,  See our 10/16 blog entry for pics.  These are all available through IAR.

Sada and Bailey, the rat terrier sisters surrendered to the Stroms by their owners in Pass Christian, are also thriving in their foster home, where they have seven other dogs to play with. This bonded pair complement each other, with socialite Sada the extrovert and sweet quiet Bailey the more reserved of the two, and they will be adopted out together.  See IAR

As mentioned in previous blogs, there are also lots of beagles up for adoption through Triangle Beagle Rescue.  Actually, there will be more than planned, as Chi Chi (formerly Belinda) is pregnant.  These beagles are receiving lots of vet treatment to get them up to feeling par, so any donations or special homes are welcome at Tribeagles.

New Homes for the Holidays

Here are updates on some of the rescued gulf-area animals that have been given second chances by kind folks in NC - MANY MORE TO BE ADDED THIS WEEK!!!!

"Nacho" was a surrender, and boy did he miss his family! Luckily, Renee P. has made him part of hers.  She has 4 other dogs and they ALL go to work with her every day, including NACHO! What a life - a GOOD one, thanks to Renee, and Colleen and Kelly who brought him here.

Colleen Lanigan had only planned to foster "Ella Louise"  until a home was found. Turns out after their dog Rizzo had his say in the matter, she already WAS home. Rizzo has taken her under his wing (paw), and is helping her to come out of her shell. Miss Ella's new family has 2 people, 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 goats.  Bet they stay warm at night!

"Frankie" (a.k.a. Blue Eyes) is being fostered by this couple, where he is having great fun playing with their resident hound and is completely uninterested in their 13 year old blind cat.  This guy was timid at the rescue site, but immediately frolicked around and smiled after his 18+ hour trip to C.H..  Hopefully, Frankie's foster will also be his forever home if not claimed.  Seems like everyone is happy with that prospect.

"Rufus" the black lab that we met at Mutt Shack, had been left to fin for himself in the back yard of his New Orleans home.  Rufus's neighbor returned to find him alive and took him into his home and cared for him for several weeks.  Rufus is a big boy, and accidentally knocked over the family's 4 year old daughter.  They later surrendered him to MuttShack,where he was then taken to foster with Jen Strom. Rufus now has a forever home that comes with a huge yard to play with his people in, and a cozy home to snuggle in.  His new person is a judge in Chapel Hill who recently lost her 17-y/o black lab.  We're so glad she was ready to open her heart and rule in his favor!
Gumbo has been adopted by a young couple with another dog, which was high on Gumbo's wish list for his forever home, because he really enjoys doggie playtime. Gumbo's new family wanted a second dog because their dog seemed lonely for canine company and also because she likes to sleep in the bed with them, a habit that apparently is not that popular with her dad, who figured if she had another dog to cuddle with he wouldn't have to make room for her at his feet every night. And guess what? Now they both sleep in the bed.

Jimbo was surrendered by his elderly person in Pass Christian, after Katrina. Happy ending to this story by TriBeagles: "Jimbo got a wonderful home with a family in Cary. They have 2 kids who are 10 and 12, a big fenced-in yard and a 3-year-old female beagle. They adore him and he has settled into their home like he has always lived there. His new family says he is so sweet, calm,friendly and super personable with everyone he meets." 

James Bond was an 11th-hour pick  by Kelly and Colleen, who didn't have a foster home lined up but just couldn't leave him behind (understood here!).  He went to Renee Perry at Barks-n-Bubbles pet grooming in Hillsborough as a playmate for the cat that lives there and was getting lonely. He has adjusted beautifully to all the dogs coming in and out daily and all the noise. He loves his new home but feels most comfortable sleeping in his crate. The door is permanently open and his favorite cuddle spot. In addition to offering a home for this guy, Renee also supported the Ronnow/Lanigan trip through donations.

'Chester,' was brought back by Colleen & Kelly and adopted by Angela Annas and her daughter. Chester's foster home included Kelly Ronnow's canine companions, and he was quite a feline ambassador. Looks like now he's advanced to Prince of his new palace.

Another beagle, "Jack-Jack," was adopted by Mary Sullivan and her grandaughter, who have been giving and receiving lots of love from this kind fella.  Another happy ending, and beginning.