Wednesday at The Shelter

Dear Friends

Another day of rigging fans for the dogs in the barn for Gabby. He still has about 20 to go. He and this really cool gal named Stacey are taking care of this project all by themselves. It’s a daunting task because of the extreme heat at 8 ft and also the sheer physical aspect of it.

I’m thinking this may be a great diet plan for me because I’m walking lots (as the blisters on my feet can prove) and I’m too busy to think of food. My feet remind me of my retail days which I was hoping to forget, but having no appetite or being too busy to think of food is a first for me. So hopefully I will return home a few pounds lighter.

I spent the morning making signs to post in the kitty area reminding people that they must sanitize their hands before touching a second cat. This is to prevent the spread of disease. I myself was not aware of this rule before I personally touched about 50 cats my first night here. So hopefully the sign will help with a little education. All precautions are being made here to keep the animals in the best of health. Toys are not shared, bedding is thrown away once the animal leaves the facility and bowels and other items are cleaned and disinfected as used.

I came on the scene at about 2:30pm and tried not to get too involved in one project so as to get a better picture of the overall operations. Because of this, people from lots of different areas of the place are getting to know me and for some reason they think I know what’s going on and are handing me their responsibilities when they leave. I do my best to fulfill all requests.

Later in the evening as I was attempting to oversee volunteers in the cats area and also close down the front of building operations an off duty New Orleans Police Officer came to me looking for a black lab he had picked up off the street during his duties the week prior. We searched for the dog but was having a hard time finding him at first. But because this place has a really good data base set up we found the sweet Lab who he and his fellow officers named Sally. It was a beautiful reunion. Sally recognized him immediately and he was loved on and licked all over.

While escorting him out the door I asked if he would help my friend who had to leave some pets behind after evacuation. He told me that he would go to the address I gave him and check to see if the animals survived the flooding. I was overwhelmed and told him to call me immediately if he found them and bring them here to us. I will be following up with him on Thursday to see what he finds. I am praying that the two dogs and 15 cats (who were all outdoor strays that were rounded up before evacuation) are ok. I will keep you all posted. Until then, please pray.

Gabby moved the rig to a better spot a little closer to the building and we are now able to get internet reception on the laptop that was so nicely loaned to us by Meeting Tomorrow. Thank goodness because earlier in the day gabby was out in the heat trying to download drivers for our printer in the 90 degree heat. It’s nicer to do this in the comfort of our home!

We are also situated closer to the dump station so with some extra hoses that we will buy at Wal-Mart on Thursday, we won’t have to move the rig every three days to empty the tanks. Double bonus!!

Gabby and I returned to the barn at about 11pm and helped one vet who works the night shift do what she calls “clutter patrol”. Basically it’s cleaning out stalls whose dogs have left to go home with their owners. Also it’s dragging all the items left in the isles by the other volunteers and owners. This is everything from old dishes and buckets to 40 lb bags of opened dog food. We are trying to keep the opened bags of food to a minimum.

We have several semi truck loads of food here. And supplies are still being sent from all over the country. We really don’t need any more items. Monetary donations are better, but the wheels of generosity are in motion and the goods keep coming in. I’m sure when animals finally go home with their owners; they will have all they need to start anew.

I know lots of you envy us and you should. It’s amazing to be able to be a part of something like this. I am so thankful that Gabby and I are able to do it. If you are feeling like you would like to be down here but can’t get here, my suggestion is check to see if your local humane society or rescue organizations can use some help with any animals that may have come to them. I know the H.S. in Grand Rapids has taken on many of the displaced pets and I’m sure they are looking for help.

Thanks for reading and keeping up with us. Please keep all the volunteers in your good thoughts and send them strength. And of course keep all the people and animals affected by this catastrophe in your prayers.

Carol and Gabby

PS I would like to say a special hello to my God Daughter, Madeline Brill and her computer class in Colorado. I hear you are reading our postings and keeping up on what we are doing out here. I am so happy to know that you are interested in the animals. From way over there in Colorado, the animals feel all the love you are sending out to them. Thank you!!!