BAYOU RESCUE

We Held Off —

Hoping it was not true. However, it seems that it is.

Horrible deaths for dogs at the hands of humans (I use the term loosely) in St. Bernard Parish. It could even have been the local authorities. Please pressure authorities and anyone else you can think of to pursue the prosecution of these individuals. I could write more, but the story alone is like a punch to the gut. More impactful than any of my own words.

If you are easily upset don't view the links —
but you can still send a message to the US Representative from that district, Rep. Charlie Melancon and the Lousiana State Senator, Sen. Walter J. Boasso with the subject heading "Find who shot the dogs NOW!" The sheriff's website was down at the time of this post.
 

BE FOREWARNED the following links can be very upsetting. To read about the story and efforts to find the responsible parties click here. It was also reported on CNN. You may have to click browse in the top right corner of the player window to reload the dog story.

THANK YOU

from Jennifer and Bill:

Bill and I can't say enough to express how grateful we are to you all for making this trip possible. As animal lovers and long-time rescue volunteers and foster parents, it was very rewarding to be able to help both the animals who needed us and the people who love them. As a journalist and an elected official, the scale of the devastation and the ensuing political and human chaos we witnessed down there was a disturbing lesson in government gone awry and people suffering because of it.   

Thanks again for everything.

-Jennifer and Bill

After the Stroms...

...trip update:

After a grueling return road trip that started in Tylertown MS on Wednesday morning and took them back along the MS gulf area, the Stroms "landed" in Chapel Hill finally at about 6 p.m. Thursday with nine dogs, two cats and three kittens safe and sound.  Debbie Grissom also arrived Friday with a mama cat and her three small kittens.  All animals are being fostered through IAR, except for the beagle that was taken in by TRIBEAGLE.

All animals will have their various injuries and ailments addressed, and over the next few weeks will recover from the physical and emotional stress of the last four weeks. In accordance with animal authorities in MS and LA, all animals will be kept in foster care and posted on the national lost-and-found website until they are legally released for adoption on Oct. 15. Look for photos of and info on these evacuees soon on the IAR website.

Lots of other Katrina animals are also available for adoption through Project HALO out of Charlotte, N.C.  This is the group who Jennifer, Bill, Debbie, and Beth worked with in Gulfport. They have partnered with the HUS of So. MS to transport and adopt out all owner-surrendered animals who don't have to be held for possible reclaim.

As days pass and thousands of families are still without homes and jobs, the pace of people giving up their pets is unfortunately picking up. Please see Project HALO for more information.

Homeward Bound...

From MS to NC with love.
This lucky guy is one of 13 animals rescued from the gulf area, being brought into foster with IAR. Jennifer and Bill arrived today, and Debbie Grissom and Beth Berstein are headed back tomorrow (Friday).  All of these folks have made a difference to countless animals and people, and we look forward to supporting efforts of folks like these!!
Check tomorrow for Jennifer Strom's updates on the Indy blog.

The Latest

And the greatest from the field.

Download STROM0928.doc.pdf

PLEASE DON'T DRIFT OFF...

There is still LOTS to be done and seen! After almost a week of working hard every day in the MS gulf region, Jennifer and Bill Strom are headed home with about 8 lucky canines and felines!  These babies will be taken into foster by IAR.

Debbie Grissom and her friend Beth arrived down in the same area yesterday and have spent their time in Gulfport helping out Project Halo.  Debbie reports sitting once to take a quick lunch break (which she used to return phone calls about animals). Like most of these places, there is more work to be done than anyone can imagine until they are there.

There will be THREE more teams from the Triangle area leaving in the next 2-3 weeks as well so - YES, donations are still being taken.  These teams will also bring the gift of time and WORK for people and animals that need it most.

If you prefer to give to organizations outside your local area, please consider giving your deductible donation to groups listed under our LINKS site. This is NOT yesterday's news.  Thousands of animals and people are STILL without shelter, running water, and electricity.  They still have no where to go, and depend on people like YOU to help.  This is TODAY, and will also be TOMORROW.  So please don't forget...

URGENT REQUESTS

Mutt Shack Rescue is caring for appx. 40 dogs and 40 cats in Lake Castle School parking lot in East N.O. They are in dire need of generators (they have no electricity OR running water). Luckily, Ray & Pam Holland in Raleigh, NC have offered THREE generators. Unfortunately Debbie G. left from Raleigh before we found out about this need, so we don't have a way to transport them right away.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON DRIVING DOWN TO THE LA/MS AREA IN THE NEXT 2-3 DAYS, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND MARK "GENERATOR" in the subject line.

They also need jugs of water, disposable bowls, golden malrin (a fly repellent) ID bands for the animals, and crates of all sizes and types.

If you ARE planning on going down, you can call Martin directly at 818-899-5995. He is very busy for obvious reasons so please only call if you will be going in the next 3 days. Thank you!

IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING

Today, make it this update from Jennifer and Bill Strom in the gulf of MS.  Most of us have no idea what's going on in that area  - STILL going on after almost one month.        Download stromupdate0927.pdf

Jennifer is also keeping up a blog on the Indy

They're Here!

Beagles arrived @ 9:00 today. Seems they are quite content to down right happy to be here (the people AND the dogs).  If you are interested in fostering one of these sweeties, please fill out the application and contact TRIBEAGLES.   Looks like more dogs will be arriving later this week - Check BAYOURESCUE for daily updates!

Before & After

What a difference the Stroms make.