Update December 27, 2005
IDA's Hurricane Relief Effort Continues Through the Holidays
IDA Volunteers Make Crucial Food and Water Drops in New Orleans' St. Bernard's Parish
Even though volunteers are currently at a minimum as many people are spending time with family, IDA dispatched aid to the Hurricane ravaged Gulf States in time for the Christmas holiday. Husband and wife team and IDA employees Kristie and Eric Phelps were joined by volunteer Val Mizuhara to help animals in their time of need. They found they were able to administer assistance earlier than expected. On two separate occasions, the team came across groups of dogs running loose along the highways during the eighteen-hour drive south from Virginia.
Eve was found with a pack of dogs picking at a deer carcass along the side of the road. While the rest of the dogs ran off into a field, the ever-submissive Eve rolled onto her back and allowed rescuers to carry her to safety. Rudy was found on Christmas morning gallivanting on the interstate in Alabama. When he saw the friendly faces of the rescuers who had stopped on the highway to prevent him from entering the roadway because they were terrified that he would be killed by a car, he jumped happily into their arms. Neither animal was wearing a collar or identification tags. Thanks to the caring rescuers, these lucky animals will be able to find loving homes and will never again have to go hungry and risk their lives on dangerous roads scavenging for their next meals.
The rescuers spent the next several days doing food and water drops in New Orleans. St. Bernard's Parish, where the rescuers spent their time, only recently opened up to the public and rescuers. For months the area was closed off, even to the LASPCA, while the National Guard searched for bodies. Dogs and cats left homeless by the storm rely on the sustenance placed at drop points by caring volunteers for survival. Gradually, they learn to trust humans enough to be coaxed into the safety of their loving arms.
