The absolute destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina can be seen in the eyes, faces and actions of its human survivors. But there were other victims as well, of the four-legged and winged variety. Some of the most heart-wrenching footage produced
The absolute destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina can be seen in the eyes, faces and actions of its human survivors.
But there were other victims as well, of the four-legged and winged variety.
Some of the most heart-wrenching footage produced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was that of helpless animals left stranded by the killer storm, and displaced pet owners anguishing over the fate of their animal companions.
Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Rhoades, a veterinarian and executive director of the Kauai Humane Society, was among the “professional” volunteers who went out of their way to care for displaced and rescued animals in Gonzales, La.
“It was exhausting. You go at it, but by the fourth or fifth day you have a melt-down, and then have a good cry, and go back at it,” she said.
While Rhoades was on the Mainland to provide training to leaders and volunteers from other humane society organizations in Billings, Mont., she received a communication from officials with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
HSUS officials are currently working in Louis-iana and Mississippi to rescue as many stranded and injured animals as possible in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Reportedly, HSUS leaders were overwhelmed in their efforts throughout the region, Rhoades said.
After Katrina, the HSUS leaders and a coalition of officials of other animal-welfare organizations launched the largest-ever animal-rescue effort in New Orleans and along other parts of the Gulf Coast, where residents fled the city and were forced to abandon dogs, cats, and other animals by the tens of thousands, she explained.
The Gonzales shelter has cared for more than 4,000 of the rescued Katrina animals. The 1,000 animals not moved on to other facilities were sheltered in place until Hurricane Rita passed through the area, she said.
At that time, the reuniting of pets and their owners, and movement of animals to other facilities, resumed.
HSUS officials sent out requests for personnel who are specialized in relief efforts, and Rhoades answered the call.
Rhoades arrived in Louisiana Sept. 10, and returned to Kaua’i Wednesday.
Rhoades and other volunteers worked with about 1,300 small animals at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center.
Rhoades said the coordination among officials of state and federal agencies, as well as volunteers, was well-executed.
Rhoades said those who evacuated with their pets were fortunate.
“Many people who evacuated (without their pets) thought they would be back in a day or two. Many animals perished,” she said.
Rhoades said new animals were arriving constantly. “It was a real M.A.S.H. (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) unit,” she said.
She said most of the rescued animals were in fairly good shape. Only about 1 percent had to be euthanized.
“Basically, what we saw were bite wounds and skin diseases. That, and a lot of skinny dogs. Most of them needed a bath and some food and water. Some were dehydrated,” she said.
“It was actually a very good opportunity for me to learn things to help Kaua’i if we ever have to go through something like this. There’s lots of lessons to be learned about identifying animals and coordinating volunteers,” she said.
Rhoades said there was a massive effort to not only reunite Katrina pets with their owners, but also an effort to send these animals to shelters around the country, in order to avoid overcrowding at the Gonzales facility.
Rhoades said that, among the more difficult aspects of helping lost pets, was dealing with dogs that had been trained to fight, presumably by members of gangs.
Rhoades said these animals would be sheltered till Jan 1. After that, HSUS officials would make concerted efforts to find homes for these animals.
Elizabeth Freitas, chair of the Kauai Humane Society board of directors, hailed Rhoades’ response.
“Dr. Becky did what all of us on Kaua’i wish we could do, and went to Louisiana to assist with rescue efforts. We at the Kauai Humane Society are proud and inspired that Dr. Becky is able to actively participate in helping those so tragically affected by Hurricane Katrina,” she said.
