Long after most of the rescue groups left Louisiana, animals, stray cats and dogs continue to eke out an existence in the rubble of New Orleans. The Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park offered to take them from rescuers who were bringing them to N J. Despite our reaching out several times, it appeared that the shelters preferred to keep these animals under their own control.

Garo Alexanian of Companion Animal Network of New York City was making a special trip to New Orleans and visited our Animal Care Centers to insure that we would accept some of these animals.

According to Garo: 'Tens of thousands of dogs & cats must be removed from the 150 sq. mile area which will need a long-lasting, well-oiled effort. Let's do it, even as the large groups hide from public scrutiny. There will be plenty of time to crucify our colleagues who betrayed the animals. Right now we must increase rescue operations, not get diverted by politics. 'THE FLEECTING OF DISASTER ANIMALS' is one group's viewpoint on this.

Millions of dollars were raised by some organizations & it clearly became a promotional opportunity for some. The Society was never given the opportunity to help -- but finally, our offer was taken!

Most of the dogs the Society took in that survived Hurricane Katrina had been scheduled for euthanasia the first week of March. Over 20 dogs and 4 cats are now at the Forked River facility.