Remembering Hurricane Katrina

Published just three short years after the devastating disaster, Two Bobbies : A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival. by Kirby Larson, Mary Nethery and Jean Cassels is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.  The true story chronicles the struggles of Bobbi, the dog, and BobCat, the blind cat, post hurricane Katrina.  Having lost everything in the deadly storm, the unlikely duo depends on each other to survive.   The book’s epilogue, complete with photos of the real life Bobbi and BobCat, details the real-life happily ever-after ending.

M.H.  Herlong's Buddy, does not sugar coat -- there is no fairy tale ending.   Lil'T, the story's lovable protagonist,  and his family might be poor before the hurricane and  totally wiped out after the disaster, but they are survivors -- they have each other, their faith, and their unwavering determination to persevere.  That resolve is what keeps Lil'T working to get Buddy, his beloved three-legged dog, back long after the levees break.  While there isn't the happy ending that readers may  be hoping for, it's the right ending. 

This is the perfect time to read, or re-read, Two Bobbies : A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival and Buddy.

Fabulous Finn!

Is this a face, or what?  So pensive.  So expressive. If  Phineas and I spoke the same language, I'm sure he'd have quite a story to tell.  See the clipped ear?  That's typically the sign of a cat living in a feral cat colony.   A feral cat has had little or no contact with people, therefore is unsocialized and fearful of humans.  But Phineas is not fearful of people, he's a love -- he nudges, he purrs and sidles right up to anyone and everyone.  And, if he's out of his kitty condo and someone sits down on the floor, Phineas goes right for the lap, and that's where he stays until he is encouraged to move.    Best  guess he was a stray who was trapped, neutered, ear-tipped and released.  But, smart guy that he is, he managed to get caught again, taken in and then brought to WARL where he is just hanging out waiting!

Happy Wednesday!

A big grin crossed my face when I opened this photo of Edgar, formerly known as Doc.   Not only is this pooch, who has been enjoying his forever home for since January, adorable, but the accompanying note confirmed what I already knew, that WARL staff  are magnificent matchmakers.   What impressed us most about WARL was how you set new dog owners up for success with all the great information and support, wrote Edgar's adopter.

Projects to Help Shelter Animals During the Waning Days of Summer!

Kids  often ask about volunteering at the Washington Animal Rescue League.  We love volunteers, however, our Junior Volunteer program requires that students, ages 12 -17, attend an orientation with a parent/guardian and volunteer a minimum eight hours a month with that parent or guardian.   Essentially, our Junior Volunteer program is a parent/child volunteer tag-team commitment.  That pairing may not work for all families.  But, there are plenty of things that kids, who care about animals, can do to help the animals at the Washington Animal Rescue League.

• Create a cat scratching circle  (or two) for the cats housed in WARL's Kitty City,  http://www.designsponge.com/2009/01/diy-project-recycled-cardboard-kitty-pad.html
•  Hold a Bake Sale/Lemonade Stand/Yard Sale -- donate the proceeds  to WARL or use the funds to buy something needed from our wish list,  http://www.warl.org/support-us/donate/other-ways-to-give/wish-list/ 
• Make really cool dog toys from things that you already have on hand are always welcomed at WARL, http://barkpost.com/3-dog-toys-you-can-make-from-things-around-the-house/ 
• Bond with friends while making soft, fluffy cat beds without sewing, http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Sew-Pet-Bed/.  

Once you've planned and implemented a project, schedule a time  to drop your donation off at WARL. The best way to reach me to plan  a visit is debbie@warl.org.