Animal_Rescue_in_New_Orleans_experience.html Click Here to read all about my
Animal Rescue in New Orleans experience Read all about my Animal Rescue volunteer work in New Orleans helping rescue animals with Pasado's Safe Haven...

You can follow the Pasado's crew on their website at:
http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/NEWS.htm

Something that does help is donations, and Pasado's has been doing such a fabulous job I'm trying to help there as well, on the news page it talks about what is needed, but you can also donate funds which help most because then they can buy what they need when they need it. What's needed changes hour by hour depending on what has been used and what animals have been brought in. I know sending "stuff" feels great, I hauled a ton of supplies down with me when I went, but if you can please consider donating. You can donate online at:
https://www.pasadosafehaven.org/DONATIONS/FORM.htm

Owners are starting to call and be reunited with the animals, which makes me EXTREMELY happy to hear, especially with all the work it took to get all the facts down to make it easier on the owners. It was a time consuming process, but I just kept in my mind "This could have been MY dog" and the extra effort became easy to do. The folks at Pasado's are the real hero's tho, I was just there three days, the folks that were there before I arrived, are still there today, and are refusing to go home are the ones that really deserve the praise. If you can, take up collections for them. They really need the support. I'll be going back just as soon as my work and wife will let me, and hope to stay longer next time. tn_DSCF0001.JPG DSCF0001.JPG DSCF0001.JPG Unloading of dogs rescued that were trapped in houses without food and water. We saved 29 animals that day. My partner and I found 18 of them, all dogs, but other teams found dogs, a few cats, and even two birds. It was a light day because we ended up accidently spending the morning searching an area HSUS had already been. Teams are currently saving about 65+ dogs a day right now. tn_DSCF0002.JPG DSCF0002.JPG DSCF0002.JPG This poor boy had been on a 4 foot chain, padlocked to the bottom of a post and his collar. The water level there was almost over the roof. He should have drown, but there he was in the back yard, still chained. maybe the structure floated and he was able to climb onto something, who knows. I couldn't find bolt-cutters, but was able to cut his collar off without cutting him, to free him. Those in the worst shape were seen by the vets first. He needed an IV right away he was so dehydrated. I was estimated he would not have survived another day. It might be difficult to see, but his hips, ribs, and shoulders are sticking out... he was literally a bag of bones. :(

It was thought this boy was the one that was euthanized, but it turned out to be a different dog, a GSD mix. tn_DSCF0003.JPG DSCF0003.JPG DSCF0003.JPG After unloading and triage, they were sent to the vet station. Here one of the Rotts I rescued that day is being wormed, something he wasn't at all happy about. The vets muzzled him for everyones safety. Minutes later he was all done and eating his dinner tn_DSCF0004.JPG DSCF0004.JPG DSCF0004.JPG Back in Austin, unloading, feeding, watering, and exercising the dogs was the first priority. tn_DSCF0005.JPG DSCF0005.JPG DSCF0005.JPG This boy was very dear to me even tho I'm a "Malamute person" I've always had a serious soft spot for Rotts, and I was very happy to have been able to bring him back to Austin for fostering until his family could be located. My hope is to one day tell them the story of his rescue myself. We'll see. tn_DSCF0006.JPG DSCF0006.JPG DSCF0006.JPG He was distracted by all the other dogs out of frame that were walking about tn_DSCF0007.JPG DSCF0007.JPG DSCF0007.JPG But I just needed a picture of him for myself. tn_New_Orleans_Dogs-1.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-1.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-1.jpg Pictures volunteers took of the other dogs that are now in foster homes here in Austin we brought back with us. This little chocholate toy poodle was especially dear to Susan whom I rode with down and back to LA tn_New_Orleans_Dogs-2.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-2.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-2.jpg Pictures volunteers took of the other dogs that are now in foster homes here in Austin we brought back with us - My memory is already starting to blurr of all the dogs, but I _THINK_ this is the one rescued from Canal Street that was hiding in the closet behind the clothes in the very back of the house tn_New_Orleans_Dogs-3.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-3.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-3.jpg Pictures volunteers took of the other dogs that are now in foster homes here in Austin we brought back with us tn_New_Orleans_Dogs-4.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-4.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-4.jpg Pictures volunteers took of the other dogs that are now in foster homes here in Austin we brought back with us tn_New_Orleans_Dogs-5.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-5.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-5.jpg Pictures volunteers took of the other dogs that are now in foster homes here in Austin we brought back with us tn_New_Orleans_Dogs-6.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-6.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-6.jpg Pictures volunteers took of the other dogs that are now in foster homes here in Austin we brought back with us - Now fostered by the great folks at http://www.rottilove.com/ - This is the Momma of the Momma/Pup pair. tn_New_Orleans_Dogs-7.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-7.jpg New_Orleans_Dogs-7.jpg Pictures volunteers took of the other dogs that are now in foster homes here in Austin we brought back with us - Now fostered by the great folks at http://www.rottilove.com/ - This is the Pup of the Momma/Pup pair How to help: To Volunteer:
Check out the latest info here first:
https://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/TO%20VOLUNTEER.htm
but basically you'll want to either head to Lamar/Dixon expo center in Gonzales at:
Lamar Dixon Exposition Center
(225) 621-1700
9039 S Saint Landry Ave
Gonzales, LA 70737

If your in the Austin area and want to join up with the next convoy down then please contact Cynthia Weise at cynthia.wiese@gmail.com for details as she is coordinating those.

You may want to join up with the next convoy down from your area, there are ones going from all over the country all the time. Pasado's may be able to hook you up with one or heck, you may even be able to form your own with the help of local HSUS, PAWS, PETA, or other rescue groups/shelters in your area. That's how the Austin caravan was formed up and how I ended up being able to go.

What to bring:
Masks should be something to keep out the dust basically. Whenever a military transport rolls by it kicks up a LOT of dust, and that's basically what you do NOT want to be breathing. Latex gloves, as well as heavy all leather gloves are another excellent idea. Crates. Every crate is another life saved. Donations of money are probably what's best, but if you think you need to bring a thing, I'd say the best item are cleaning supplies. Bleach especially. Sanitation is a big concern, and every crate is washed basically every day. A motor home is a good idea, as there are no motels and camping space is quite limited. I brought a tent and slept in it on the ground under a horse carousel. Waders are probably not a bad idea, but there is plenty of dry rescue to be done and more is being drained every day. There is a LOT going on, and a motor home would probably be a great asset. Also, ear plugs for sleeping at night. It's noisy, and non-stop, and the animals are sometimes very noisy at night at the farm... what little time you do get for sleep, believe me, you don't want interrupted. :) Plus, with a motor home, you'll have someplace to shower, don't underestimate that value alone. :) If your planning on going into the city, get some camelbacks. Your always in need of water, it's HOT and you'll be dressed heavy. Hats of the sort that cover your whole head not just a front bill, gloves, long pants, sturdy boots - most likely something along the lines of combat boots - should be able to be found at any army surplus place for under $40 and you'll really appreciate having them, but it's all hot weather gear. Spray disinfectant for boots and gloves, as well as the liquid hand sanitizer... your probably detecting a trend here of basically prepare to be someplace absolutely filthy and dangerous, and well, it is, but simple precautions make all the difference. Bug repellent for sure, DEET, it's the south in the summer and there is no indoors, nuff said about that! Bleagh! Also, something to consider, the odds of getting a cut and it getting infected is about 100%, so bring antiseptic and the sort, and you'll also want to make sure everyone in the group has gotten a recent booster for Tetanus/Diphtheria, as well as it's a damn good idea to get Hep-A and Hep-B vaccines. You don't want to bargain with that sorta thing in the city... you will get cut, you will slip and fall, and you will be coated with grime and gook of the nastiest sort, so be prepared for that. Also, belts and clips that you can use to carry a thermos/canteen, pocket knifes, and the sort. I carried a tactical baton which came in handy a few times, but eventually I resorted to a wooden baseball bat that I "borrowed" from a shed. Tools are easy to find once your in the city. It sounds horrible to say it like that, as your basically taking something from someone, but you just have to learn to improvise and figure out what you need when you need it, find it, use it, and move on.
Other than that, I'd say just look on the website and see what they areasking for at:
http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/NEWS.htm

It changes constantly, as what they need changes based on supplies used and animals in need... but cleaning supplies will be a constant need. They are doing OK on food for the animals, but food for the volunteers, especially something hot, would be greatly appreciated. I ate a hot meal when I got home and it was almost shocking it felt like it'd been so long... a motor home would prove almost invaluable if it had a shower and a stove... practically luxury really. :)

Bless you for considering going... so many people are fretting and complaining that "something must be done" but it's far fewer that then say "OK, let's GO!". I told my boss "I'm leaving" but he said he was expecting it and was surprised it didn't happen sooner... ;)

Pasado's is really showing what even a small group of folks can do if they put their minds to it... it's really depressing that HSUS hasn't been able to energize and mobilize as effectively and is instead getting caught up in the political quagmire and inner bickering.

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