The Washington Times
http://www.washingtontimes.com

Blessed beasts of the bayou

By Gary Emerling
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published October 5, 2005

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina brought two tail-wagging,
four-legged survivors to the steps of the Washington National Cathedral
yesterday to receive a blessing bestowed on all God's creatures.
   Louisiana natives Bayou and Smores -- two dogs rescued from the
ravaged Gulf Coast -- took part in the cathedral's annual Blessing of
the Animals in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint
of animals.
   During an evening service, the cathedral's clergy prayed over, and
sprinkled holy water on, each of the more than 100 dogs, cats,
parakeets and gerbils. Intermittent barking punctuated the cool air.
   "Every little bit helps in keeping them safe," said Christie Smith,
of Waldorf, Md., who brought two dogs, Jade and Hailey. "Since I'm
Catholic, I certainly would like them to be blessed."
   The annual rite took on a special significance with the presence of
Bayou and Smores, who are among 55 pets from the Gulf Coast put up for
adoption through the Washington Animal Rescue League.
   "It shows not only the need to take care of people, but to take
care of all God's creatures," said Elizabeth Mullen, a spokeswoman for
the National Cathedral. "It's extra special this year to be able to
include our Katrina friends."
   The league brought Bayou, a 2-year-old spitz mix; Smores, a
4-year-old mixed breed, and the other animals to the District from the
Gulf Coast over two trips to the New Orleans area. The league patrolled
neighborhoods in boats and searched abandoned houses.
   In the end, the group rescued more than 800 animals from the
region. About 1,000 animals were treated by a veterinarian affiliated
with the league.
   "It was bittersweet," said Scotlund Haisley, executive director of
the league, who led the two rescue operations. "You would find an
animal alive, but their condition was horrible."
   Bayou and Smores were evacuated and placed in shelters ahead of
time, but Mr. Haisley said most animals weren't so lucky.
   About one in every eight pets the teams found were alive 30 days
after the hurricane hit. Most were emaciated and close to dying.
   "You're rescuing and saving lives," said Erika Leckington, the
league's director of animal welfare, who also went to New Orleans. "But
you're also seeing the animals you can't save."
   The 55 animals brought back to the league's facility in Northwest
consisted of 38 dogs -- many dubbed "waterdogs" because they were found
swimming or scavenging among the New Orleans floodwaters -- 15 cats, a
gerbil and a pot-bellied pig.
   Many of the animals had pre-existing health conditions not related
to Katrina and 10 of the 38 dogs had heartworm, Mr. Haisley said. In
some cases, the floodwaters helped save the animals' lives.
   "It must have been high in protein," he said.
   The teams administered IVs to the rescued animals and gave them
high-quality food. The ones brought back to the District were put up
for adoption, and Mr. Haisley said there are still 10 cats and eight
dogs displaced by Katrina and looking for new homes.
   "Our efforts will continue as long as these animals need to be
adopted," Mr. Haisley said. "These animals are well-deserving of a
blessing. These guys have just come out of hell."