Hurricane Rescue

Tonic is a 3-year-old neutered male, 65-70 pound shepherd/golden or maybe hound mix. He is a Katrina survivor whose family is now living on one of the cruise ships set up for evacuees. They have no idea when any of them will be back in a home. Tonic's best option was legal surrender.

Tonic was originally adopted as a young pup from the ASPCA along with a playmate approximately the same age. That dog did not survive the hurricane. Tonic was not rescued until almost two weeks post storm. He loves adults and older kids, not sure about young kids. He can NOT be placed with cats or small dogs. He rides in the car well, walks well on lead and obeys simple commands. He is a very loving boy, smiles a lot.

Tonic gets along with other foster dogs, but would probably do best in a home with no other animals. He would benefit greatly with undivided attention to encourage bonding. Contact Sherry (foster mom): nelliecorner@hotmail.com or call 636-441-4420 (St. Charles, MO - close to St. Louis) for full professional assessment report and to arrange a meeting.

This page is reserved for special-need cases. Every hurricane victim has suffered varied degrees of trauma. Potential adopters need to realize extra measures of understanding and patience will be required.

Tonic has made great strides. Looks like he's saying, "See what a good boy I can be." He was a nervous wreck at first, now he's letting Sherry's shepherd clean his ears. That's just a for instance and only one of thousands of miracle survival stories.

I can't list every refugee. However, I'll do my best as long as the foster can provide a reference - probably the person who sent this page (or friend of a friend). In other words, I know Sherry knows what she's talking about. Time is too precious to waste, now more than ever.

Send pic(s), stats and contact info (as above): MarthaJones1@aol.com. I'll reply as soon as possible.

The subject line must be "Hurricane special case." I do not open mystery mail.

Don't do anything before checking www.PetFinder.com's hurricane emergency network for lost listings.

Sign the petition to support The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act, H.R. 3858), currently in Congress, that will protect pets in federal evacuation plans, and urge officials to save currently stranded pets.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/256230705?z00m=56052&z00m=56052&ltl=1129087423

I was the 81,247th signer. Although not required, comments add impact.

Shelters all over the country are packed beyond max - all the while, the usual incoming procession goes on and on. If now is not the time to adopt or foster, at least check into volunteering locally. Every extra hand can be valuable in its own way. And Hey! Scoopin' poop is great exercise. Don't think about it, do it. Then pester friends and family to pitch in too.

Yes, there is the risk of falling of love. Nobody can take them all home so that's that.

Please send the page to everyone on your lists. Even people who aren't necessarily animal people should have one or two in their circle. 

Thanks on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves!

The Forgotten Ones
http://www.forpitssake.org/katrina.html