RANETTE'S STORY

Jackson, Ranette & Rhody

October 12, 2005

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who donated funds to help me travel to Slidell to volunteer with Noah's Wish. Not only was our goal reached, it was doubled and then some.

This will be the first time I have ever done anything like this, I'm very much looking forward to every moment, good and bad. As Maureen said, any excess funds will stay with Noah's Wish to continue to care for all the animals in the shelter.

I want to especially thank Maureen; none of this would have happened without her time and support . . . it is truly appreciated. I look forward to the day I can repay her for her generosity.

Thanks again to everyone, and congratulations to the prize winners. Hope everyone and their dogs enjoys the bandanas. I will update everyone on my experiences when I return.

October 22, 2005

I thought I would share my volunteer experience with those of you who made it possible.

When my flight landed in New Orleans, it was the only plane at the airport. It was very bizarre being the only plane at an airport.

My drive from New Orleans to Slidell was shocking . . . the highway was littered with mattresses, furniture, garbage, and the occasional animal carcass. Everywhere you looked, everything was destroyed. We drove past car dealerships and every car they had on their lot when Katrina hit was ruined. You could see the residue of how high the water had been; most cars they had been completely submerged under water . . . when you drove down side streets the garbage on either side of the road was piled higher then the car we were in.

Most businesses were open for limited hours because they had no staff. Some places were so desperate for help they were offering signing bonuses . . . Burger King was offering a 6000 USD signing bonus!

My arrival in Slidell at Noah's Wish was wonderful . . . they were so happy to have another volunteer, and I was so excited to be there. I was assigned to the "big dog" area as I had experience with Airedales. I was taken for lunch - catered by the Red Cross - then on a tour of the shelter. That is when the tears started . . . all these dogs in cages (at least 400 in the big dog area) looking up at you, wagging their tails or scared to death . . . . Charlene, the coordinator showing me around, said that my reaction was normal . . . and that each day would get easier . . . .

They started me to work right away . . . the big dogs start their second walk of the day between 3-4 p.m, and this is their "long walk" . . . approximately 15-20 minutes. So I started walking dogs and trying to play with them . . . which can be harder then you think as some of these dogs have never been walked before or played with, or even talked to. This went on until all the dogs had been walked; we usually finished about 7 p.m. . . . we then returned to the Plaza Inn. Our accommodations were in the ballroom. Everyone had a cot and an air mattress; showers were provided, as was food. Lights were out at 11 p.m.

My next days were full, overwhelming days . . . in 30 degree heat [that's Celsius; 86 degrees Fahrenheit]. Lights were turned on at approximately 6:30 a.m., breakfast was served at the shelter, and our day with the dogs started at 7:30 a.m.

Depending on how many people turned up, we were put in teams that consisted of one cleaner and two walkers. Every dog's cage was cleaned (most had peed and/or pooped in their cage overnight); each dog was given a walk, approximately 5-10 minutes, then fed breakfast. If the dogs had a big mess in their cage, we gave them a bath. We would usually finish the morning duties by noon, have a lunch break, then start again.

The difference in the afternoon shifts other than the longer walk was that the cages were usually cleaner and after being walked, every dog got some sort of treat.

When I first arrived I was asked by another volunteer who was leaving to take over a "special area"; it was the area where the "small dog" quarantine was set up. These dogs were taken from the small dog area indoors because of an illness or stress. They always were last to be cared for, sometimes almost forgotten. so they became my babies . . . there were a couple of puppies in this area as well as about seven other dogs, all as sweet as could be. I felt sorry for them for always being last, and then being rushed because everyone was tired & hungry . . . so for a week they got a lot of attention & love, I found someone else to look after them when I left as well . . . so hopefully they will all be well-looked-after.

Noah's Wish itself is a great organization, for what they are doing. In total, they are housing & caring for more then 1000 animals. They have puppies, kittens, dogs & cats, ducks, rabbits, geese, parrots & even snakes! I cannot fault them for their efforts in caring for these animals.

Of course I think there are several things they could do better or be changed . . . but it was my first experience with disaster rescue. I'm sure they are doing the best they can under the circumstances.

My experience was overwhelming. I had some very high highs, and extremely low lows . . . . I have come home changed; I don't know how you couldn't be after seeing what I saw. I found it very difficult to leave, but not sure I could have stayed, physically or emotionally. I have been to the doctor since coming home and I have a sinus infection as well as a respiratory tract infection . . . which are not necessarily related to having been in New Orleans.

There were two dogs I would have loved to have brought home with me . . . but I couldn't. Noah's Wish will continue to care for the animals until they can be returned to their owners. Any animals not claimed will be fostered and eventually adopted out. Most of the dogs I saw have a better life now than before, which is hard to believe, but true.

Thanks again to everyone who helped make my trip possible.

CONTINUE WITH
IN THE EYE OF THE STORM:
KATRINA "A-TEAM" TRIP HERE