An update on events from 2005.

[frustrated_lefty]

A lot of you are unlikely to recognize my name as a poster here. I was an active poster here starting around 2002/2003 and gradually drifted away starting around 2006. That drifting away was certainly in part due to the disruption and changes in my life following Hurricane Katrina. Everything we owned was destroyed and it's taken a decade to rebuild a life.

My family and I were among the DU-ers unable to leave New Orleans when Katrina hit, and several members of this forum were emotionally supportive in the months that followed. I posted at the time a photo of my dog who we were forced to leave in our home in New Orleans, after having been trapped for a week, and several members here helped in the search to retrieve him. Egadsbrain, funkybutt, AZDem, and Shireen, in particular, offered what help they could in the search, although it was ultimately to no avail. Losing my dog, and the fact that I had to make the conscious decision to leave him, has been one of the things which most profoundly haunts me about that time period.

My wife came across a news article recently and called it to my attention. Although we're still communicating with the Arizona Humane Society for confirmation, I think we've discovered what happened to Spunk. It's going to be impossible to prove after so many years, but seeing the photographs there is not a doubt in my mind that this is him.

Thanks to those who offered their help through that difficult time.

[IMG][/IMG]

http://www.today.com/pets/dog-who-survived-hurricane-katrina-now-calms-shelter-kittens-1D80265968

"Nearly a decade after Arizona Humane Society volunteers saved a dog named Boots from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he is giving back in his own way: helping kittens get cozy at a Phoenix nursery.

Back in 2005, the Chow-Golden Retriever mix was among some 300 animals the AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technicians saved in Louisiana after the hurricane devastated the region. At the time, the pup was about 2 years old.".....more

"

[elleng]

1. Welcome back,

and that dog is a great one, a caregiver!

[Warpy]

2. Oh, my, you raised a very special doggy if it's Spunk

Is there any way you can manage to make the trip and confirm his identity? Knowing it's really him and how cherished he is by shelter staff would do a lot of good for you and kill one of the lingering ghosts from when your life was cut in half--one half before Katrina and one half after.

The kittens are all really comfortable with him, using him as a cat tree and cuddle buddy.

I know the liberalized rules about bringing animals along were done after Katrina because so many people were trapped because they couldn't bear to leave their companion animals in danger alone. It was a horrible choice to have to make and it's wonderful that we don't have to make it any longer. Stories like yours are what made storm shelters more humane places for people and their furry family members.

[frustrated_lefty]

3. The knowledge he's ok will have to suffice.

My wife suggested flying to see him. It would break me to have to leave him again after a visit, assuming that were even agreeable to his current owner.

This is simply one of many hurts from Katrina finally laid to rest after 10 years. There is solace in the knowledge he's alive, happy, and cared for.

There is unexpected grace in this world upon occasion.

[Warpy]

4. Yes, there is.

And now i understand why Spunk is such a great dog.

[renate]

5. oh my gosh! what mixed feelings you must have

That is such a sweet story, about a truly special dog. You must have missed him so so much.

I'm trying and failing to imagine what you could be feeling right now. My best guess: Happy and relieved that he has been well, and has obviously been loved and happy, but missing him too. And proud that he has been such a good boy.

What an sweetheart he is!