Hello Celebritys

We're watching the hurricane rescue efforts with nervous interest. Should we go? Stay home? In preparation for what could* be a very damaging storm, hundreds of helpers are pouring into the gulf coast to help animal victims at four rescue stations. Well done, animal orgs. But an announcement that went out on the SAWA member message board (where BR is a member) gave us whiplash: The SPCA of Texas, which has positioned itself to "serve as a hub," offered transport and logistical assistance to any adoptable shelter dog on the gulf coast. Pit bulls, however, are being excluded from these efforts.

While non-pits are being welcomed into waiting shelters farther north, the pit bulls have been shuffled to other locations to wait out the storms along with the unadoptables, the strays and the very sick dogs. Sorry pit bulls. Once again, you get the back of the bus.

"Our goal is to serve as a hub since the path of the hurricane could affect both states. In order to continue to help animals from the coast of Louisiana and Texas, I am asking for assistance from SAWA members in moving these animals further north. All of the animals are considered adoptable. There are 90 dogs total. Most are medium size and approximately 15 are large dogs. None of the dogs are Pitbulls." - VP of Operations, SPCA of Texas

The storms are bringing back bad memories for everyone, but this post gave us our worst memory yet. Back in 2005-06, thousands - yes, thousands - of unclaimed Katrina pit bulls were eventually destroyed in shelters that, for a variety of reasons, chose not to adopt them out. When you don't see their faces, it's easier to take. Anonymity is always easier on the heart. But so we don't forget, here are some of the dogs who might not have made it, had it not been for our supporters who made sure we could get to them.

Pearl graced our Katrina survivor calendar because she represented so many of the dogs of NOLA: Overbred, scarred, hw+, bad crop. She lived out the rest of her natural life as a cherished pet in San Diego. Going to the beach was one of her favorite activities.

After the storms, Bailey detoured through the HSUS-sponsored Dixon Correctional Institute shelter before coming to CA. She later found a vocation as a classroom mascot for kids with special needs.

Monte survived the storms and went on to earn his CGC award, Therapy Dog title, ATTS title, and is now serving as a reading assistant to children in public libraries.

Storm Rider Ru was not able to reunite with his displaced owner (who loved him dearly), but went on to become a therapy dog thanks to his motivated foster mom. He's now serving as a helper to autistic children in his new home in Northern CA.

Handsome Jake was able to be reunited with his family in New Orleans, thanks to an identifying tattoo on his ear. Shortly after returning home, he went on to earn ribbons in ADBA show events with his child handler, Bill.

This gentleman sweetheart came home with our crew and went on to live with staffer Justin Phillips of SPCA Monterey County. He now serves as a demo/education dog for the shelter's outreach programs.

Found running loose in a deserted NOLA ghetto after Katrina, Hemi did a detour through HSUS DCI shelter, met BR reps in 2006, and went on to become a celebrated LawDog for the Washington State Patrol.

Leroy detoured through DCI too, and went on to join BR's Pit Bull Hall program. He's since earned his Canine Good Citizen certificate and serves as a demo dog for a dog training camp for kids.

Martin was found alongside a dead dog in the attic of a 9th ward house. He was nearly starved himself, and rattled to the core. He now lives the good life with another dog and was celebrated at a Katrina Survivor celebration event in Marin County, CA.

Sydney came from a neighborhood under water, and went on to earn her CGC and Therapy Dog certification in her new home in CA. Her adopter later became a BR volunteer and foster home for other forgotten dogs, including a drug bust survivor from the Michigan Humane Society in Detroit, MI.

Darla was in very bad shape when she came back to CA. Healthy now, she serves as a playmate for one of the M. Vick dogs that shares her home.

Delilah was one of the few dogs that was already spayed when we found her at the rescue station. After Hurricane Katrina, we heard from several pit bull owners in NOLA looking for affordable spay/neuter resources, but as of this date, none have been put into place.

Taz became an ambassador at BR's Pit Bull Hall project and then to a home with another dog. He used to sit on tables whenever it started to rain, but has since learned to enjoy water again and is an enthusiastic swimmer.



Where should you send donations? Based on their commitment to all animals, we have to recommend Best Friends for your storm donations. They're currently on the ground, moving rescue efforts forward. More importantly, we know they won't discriminate by breed.