My name is Shelley; I work at our local humane society in a state below the Mason Dixon Line. Our shelter was one of the first allowed in to Louisiana after Katrina, as we had three truckloads of animal food, supplies, and medicine to donate. We made three trips to Louisiana in those first horrible two months, and brought back over 60 animals. We cared for each in foster homes, fully vetted them - many were very ill, and all but one dog was heartworm positive - and actively strove, through at least April 2006, to locate each owner.

My shelter's success rate for these reunions is due to the tireless work of one of the best of the Stealth Volunteers, a band of people who spent untold hours searching for the owners of these lost Katrina pets.

As one of our shelter's Katrina program administrators, working into the middle of the night also became a habit for me. Due to an overwhelming database issue with Petfinder's Lost and Found disaster system’s integration with another system (from my very limited understanding!), within the early weeks of October, information for the thousands of animals already listed therein became literally and irrevocably scrambled as to breed, description, and current shelter location.

Immediately after this tragic data blowup, what would have been at best cumbersome for the desperately searching displaced owners to use (in those rare moments when most could locate a computer) became a true logistical nightmare, and the likelihood of them tracing their pet became almost nil. Thus, they were almost wholly dependent on from Stealth, and other volunteers with HSUS and at local shelters nationwide, in searching for and tracking their pets.

I was contacted in early November 2005 by the owner of a mixed black Lab, who hoped that one of my shelter's rescued black Labs was hers. While it was not, I began attempting to help her locate her dog, and did so. I referred her to the contact information for the shelter that had her dog. When I contacted her several weeks later, expecting to hear of a reunion, instead I learned that discussions between her and this shelter had not gone well; that they had told her she didn't claim her dog in 30 days (the shelter's standard "stray hold" period), and that they had adopted her dog out.

I then stepped in to mediate what I believed, at first, was a simple miscommunication issue; quickly, I saw that trust on both sides was low and emotions high. I'm posting the EMails I exchanged with staff of this shelter (referred to below as "Western Shelter): its Manager and I had the most contact, but also with its Director. I also was CCd on several Emails to/from "The Transporter," who picked up this dog, and I believe 10 or so others, from a temporary shelter at a ruined Winn-Dixie Supermarket lot in New Orleans, and drove them to the Western Shelter.

Saddest of all are several EMails from the dog's “Adoptive Home:” a wonderful woman who had seen the dog through a horrendous reaction to heartworm treatment and who clearly loved the dog. She - in good faith - adopted the dog and viewed it as hers to keep and love forever.

I'm posting these Emails in September 2007, two years after Katrina.

They were hard for me to re-read; there is great distress in almost every Email and I "hear" that even more strongly now than I did at the time, as then I was frustrated, exhausted from the endless late nights on the computer, and at times, unforgivably, angry. Yet I was aware that the deep concern and agitation the dog's owner was experiencing was also felt just as strongly many states away, by the staff of at the Western Shelter.

I believe that to be particularly so for its Manager, whom I respected and liked, and who seemed understandably tormented by serving as the Western Shelter’s contact for a situation that was – ethically and emotionally - excruciating for her and for the Adoptive Home.

The Emails below are unchanged other than use of generic names (Western Shelter, Original Owner, The Dog, Shelter Manager, Adoptive Home, etc) in place of actual names other than my own. My first two or three Emails to/from "Western Shelter" seem to be lost but were general discussion re: the dog's life-threatening reaction to the immiticide injection given to treat heartworms.

The photos you see are of the dog herself, I believe taken at intake at Winn-Dixie, and posted as her 'found' photos on her Petfinder record. Also listed in her record are two street names, one of which was the street on which her house stood; the record also notes that she was found in "St. Bernard's Parish," (sic) to which Orleans East is not even close.

Please consider making a donation of any amount to Animal Rescue New Orleans, into whose loving care Katrina survivors and their descendants arrive every day. Their integrity is solid and their work very hard.


November 30, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Shelter Manager, thanks, got your 2 new Emails and will review again before calling Original Owner tonight. Please let me know - how many more treatments such as the first one is The Dog going to need, or was that the only one of that type? I mean, from this point on, other than the possible one you mentioned needed again in May 06, are the on-going meds more gentle/less hazardous? Is there still some risk that she will react badly to those treatments as she did to the first one, even if they are less "strong" and/or of a different chemical composition? The heart/lung damage you mentioned - is that known to have occurred, ie does she have an enlarged heart at this time? Is it safe/correct to say that The Dog will from now on be a "special needs" dog in the sense of needing extra protection from heat/stress/exercise/cold etc as with for example a cardiac patient/emphysema patient etc? Thanks! Shelley


November 30, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Shelley, you have this medical stuff down cold! Is that from years of helping sweet animals or have you worked for a doc of some kind/ I don't know all of the answers but will do my best and am so sorry did not get back to you but yesterday was my day to make rounds and work with all my sick critters at the shelter. We remain hopeful that The Dog will not need more heartworm treatment but we can't know that until 5/06. She actually had the immiticide (which is the better of the two adulticides) on 10/11 (had a whopping big reaction, which my understanding does happen in some dogs). Then next bad one was 11/15 and 11/16 and she got double dose on those dates.

The only reason we are not completely confident we got those nasty worms is because in order for The Dog to survive the treatment she had to have Prednisone to reduce inflammation. The inflammation can happen in their bronchia, and in the tissue of the lungs and elsewhere. We are having problems with another dog too. She required around the clock observation by medical staff for 3 days each time. Although Adoptive Home did bring her home with the promise to rush her to Urgent Care if she shut down on 11/15 and her symptoms then were awful. Along the way she was given pain medications and antibiotics too for secondary infections. Stress can make everything worse which is why our vet allowed Adoptive Home to take her home and sit up with her all night. By this time she had grown so close to Adoptive Home that she was in a bit of a panic not being with her which concerned the medical staff. I will be getting more info about the ultrasound on her heart and lungs.

We assume at 5 years old this happy girl probably did have the nasty worms (maybe even from puppyhood) and lots of them for years. Truthfully we have to expect that her life might not be a long one but there are things that can be done to be sure she has a good one. She cannot get overweight! Ever! She has to be on prevention because if the worms return (should they all be gone and I will talk about that), there is little chance she would live more than a year. The reason there is concern that in 05 of 2006 she could have a positive antigen test for heartworm is that while there was no choice, the Prednisone can reduce the effectiveness of the immiticide. That test can't be done earlier because there can be some antigen left in the bloodstream even though the worm is gone and until 6 months test results don't mean much.

But by then if she is positive, she likely will need another immiticide treatment and that's the one that is tricky because of the support she needs but a good vet should be able to manage this especially if we have given him all the info ahead of time. We have no reason to believe her other organs such as kidney or liver are at this time affected and we have done a full blood profile but another one of those should be done in a year. As far as exercise, she can be walked but if her breathing is labored then you know she has had enough. She is a chow hound so getting overweight is the one thing that would absolutely shorten her life. She will eat trash if she can find it too.

I will ask Western Shelter's Vet about the ultrasound (they have an ultrasound machine at their office) but my hunch is that there was swelling but pretty much what she expected to see. Western Shelter's Vet believes there is permanent heart and lung damage but not so much that this dog could not have a pretty good life. The reality is that she will likely die from a heart attack but she could easily have another 3 years to live. One thing we know for certain is that she has to stay calm for another month or she could throw a clot. No travel til then for sure. Thanks again Shelley for your help with this.

December 01, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
I saw your Email come in to this address while I was Emailing you back on my AOL account - as followup to your last Email about me starting my conversation with Original Owner as an attempt to assess her level of HW knowledge/comprehension at this point. I think that's a great idea, and thank you for suggesting it.


And thanks for your kind words, but my level of HW knowledge is peanuts, just from having that one Lab who went through it - (I remember being so shocked that she had it and so angry at her first owner, and also thinking that it meant she would die; that may why I understand a bit how surprised Original Owner seems to be by all this, and how she is having trouble "grasping" it) - and now I hear a lot about what the Katrina dogs my shelter rescued are going through.

So - what I was Emailing you about is that last night I called my own vet, Shelley's Vet, who's not a cardiologist but that's his special interest, he won awards for his work in that area as a vet student, etc. The reason I called him is so that I would have a vet's opinion who (I hope) Original Owner will see as impartial. I realize he hasn't seen The Dog but I think Original Owner will appreciate that he has a lot of experience and a special interest in cardiology. I didn't ask him if he'd be willing to talk to Original Owner, but I imagine he would be.

He called me back this morning. I asked for his assessment of The Dog's current and future health status, given what you had told me, and his opinion, based on that info, dovetails almost exactly with what you just wrote re: damaged cardio/pulmonary tissue and other factors combining to make her a "special needs" dog whose longterm care will necessitate veterinary and owner care at greater levels than would be "normal."

Having a houseful of special-needs dogs, I can assure Original Owner or anyone (as I know you know!) that the vet bills are through the roof, and the need for careful monitoring of the dogs, and also for frequent trips to the vet at the most inconvenient times possible, is part of the deal.

Shelley's Vet did say The Dog's lifespan might be close to what you might expect for a dog of her size, but that is dependent on not only the many unknowns out of anyone's control but also on the quality of vet care she receives, reliability of meds being provided and vet advice being strictly followed, and diligent reliable monitoring of her at all times for heat/cold/exercise/stress. Or of course her lifespan may be quite shortened no matter what anyone does. =(. Horrible.

So I'd like to ask you two things please:
A) If Shelley's Vet is willing to talk to Original Owner (if she asks), he's likely to want to see The Dog's records; are those something that Western Shelter's Vet would be OK with FAXing? Should I just ask you to FAX them to me and then I can leave them off with Shelley's Vet tonight so that if he and Original Owner do talk, he will have them right there? I'll offer to pay him for his "work" with her of course.

B) Is it possible for you all to delay calling Original Owner til early next week - Tues or Wed? I didn't call her last night as I wanted to have talked to Shelley's Vet before calling her. If I reach her today, ie I'll call her around noon here which his 9 or 10 there, I don't know if she'll be available at all or able to talk for at least 15 minutes. If it takes me til later today or tonight to talk with her, and then she does want to talk with him, then she and Shelley's Vet may not be able to talk til tomorrow or Monday (he works 8-8 or later but weekdays only).
Of course Original Owner could ask you for The Dog's records and take them to a vet in (Original Owner's new state) for his/her review as well.but she obviously hasn't done that yet; then again, maybe it hasn't occurred to her to do that, and I could suggest it.

Please let me know as soon as you can how all this sounds to you. If Western Shelter's Vet is OK with FAXing The Dog's records to me, the # is 555-000-0000. If she wants to FAX them directly to Shelley's Vet, then of course I understand, just let me know and I'll ask his staff for his OK to do this on the chance that he and Original Owner may end talking. Thanks very much.




December 1, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
I will ask about where she would want to fax records. I hope they are complete and also I can get to the shelter and fax some of those notes in our medical files too. The animal ER vet does not keep great records sometimes for us because they are actually right on our shelter site and donate care many times. I will look into this ASAP and absolutely will wait to talk with Original Owner until you feel it is right.



December 1, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Thanks, Shelter Manager. I think taking this slowly with Original Owner will prevent her from feeling railroaded or ganged-up on - and I hope help her comprehend, and then think about, what The Dog's current and future needs will be.

I did ask Shelley's Vet and he said as I figured - he'd be glad to talk with Original Owner and he would like to see the records beforehand. However I'm sure they don't need to be exhaustive, just whatever best tells him what The Dog's status is.

I'm here at work til 5:45 Maryland time, and Shelley's Vet's office is open til 7:30. If FAXing after 5:45 please send the FAX to his office, 301-ooo-0000. If you or the vets want to call before FAXing, it's 301-000-0000.




December 1, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Western Shelter's vet I am sure would be more than happy to talk with Shelley's Vet or you or even Original Owner. She is a real part time gal though. She works on Tuesday beginning at noon our time and on Wednesday I think all the work day like nine to 6.




December 1, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Shelter Manager, since it took me til almost 11:30 here to get through writing the Email I just sent you, I won't be calling Original Owner at noon - or if I do, it will just be to ask her at what times later today/tonight she's free to talk. Also - a question I forgot to ask you twice now - how did the "connection" occur between Original Owner and you or The Transporter. What I mean is, did The Transporter see the listing I posted on Petfinder on behalf of Original Owner? Or did Original Owner, in response to my Emailing her with my "sighting" of The Dog on-line, contact The Transporter? Just wondering how much initiative was shown in tracking The Dog down by Original Owner?




December 1, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Also I noticed that there is no mention of an ultrasound being done. I asked the vet staff about that and they believe the shaved area was due to another reason.



December 1, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Hi Shelley, Just wanted you to know that I did get the records and sent them to Shelley's Vet as you asked. I knew that Western Shelter's Vet does not work today but wanted to see the records too because they had one file for all 4 of our HW + dogs so I feared they may be all mixed together. It was not quite that bad but they did give me a few pages for a completely different dog. Western Shelter's Vet has donated her care outright. Today I found that she has given us 12 months worth of sentinel for The Dog. Another Rescue Group has covered costs with A Vet School and the other vet, but we are very blessed to have such a generous vet with Western Shelter's Vet .

My hope is that Shelley's Vet will be able to draw Original Owner out enough to determine if she is comprehending any of this. Right now The Dog is in good form and quite full of herself actually. Adoptive Home is having a time keeping her quiet but it does our hearts good to see her feeling so much better. We have a fund for the Katrina's and would really like to reimburse you or allow Shelley's Vet to bill us directly. We are Another Rescue Group (address provided). I trust that you will guide us to the right decision here depending on your progress with Original Owner. Thank you for everything you are doing for a sweet girl , The Dog.



December 1, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: The Transporter
CC: Shelley
Hi The Transporter, Shelley now has a cardiac specialist willing to speak with Original Owner after I get records for them. I am working on that today. Could you remind me how the contact was made? Did Original Owner call you? Do you remember how all that came to be?



December 2, 2005
From: The Transporter
To: Shelter Manager
CC: Shelley
Yes, Original Owner called me based on a the Petfinder listing she saw. She started to describe the dog and I told her it sounded pretty close and told her we'd have to talk to you to be sure.



December 2, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Thanks, Shelter Manager - who is (person mentioned by name only, no job title), please? I took my lil Chihhuahua in to Shelley's Vet this morning (removal of both eyes, unfortunately - she's been blind for years, was left at our shelter in her carrier by someone who then fled the lobby so no medical history and now her eyes are deteriorating) and your FAX is there so he'll have the chance to review that today. Just not sure if Original Owner does want to talk with him, if that will happen today or Monday.

He's crazy-busy from the time he walks in the door and then there's always the unexpected that lands in his office, ie, my dog today who's been very stable for weeks but this morning was yelping when Neil medicated her eyes so.it's unfortunately time to take action before she's in real distress. Hope your day is going well.



December 2, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Forgot! (Person whose name was given w/o job title) is the current acting Director of the Shelter. It is expected that she will become the Director. She is a terrific person. I already know that she is happy you are helping us. I sent the letter so that she would have a record of what we are doing. I am saying some prayers and trust what is right will happen. I will not be upset or disappointed to see Original Owner get her dog back so long as she is prepared to care for her. If I have not told you before, The Dog is quite the girl. She has quite a sense of humor and is a happy, affectionate dog.



December 5, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Hi Shelter Manager, I'm glad that Original Owner followed up on the info I gave her, that's something good. I have an "appointment" time now at which Shelley's Vet will be free to talk with Original Owner (if she wants to) as I went in there this morning (with 3 dogs for re-checks) and said that seems to be the only fair way to do this, so that the two of them won't be "back and forth" with messages and/or that she will feel that he's rushed if he calls her between appointments. (as he IS rushed at those times).

This way I can pay him for that ½ hour as though it were an exam, and she will feel that she has time to talk with him and he will feel likewise. I have reviewed with him a bit the need for careful patient detailing of The Dog's current and future needs, so I hope that he in turn "gets" it - but he's going to call me today about my dogs and I'm going to give him a brief but complete review of how this has gone so far.

As far as when Original Owner and you all might plan to talk - since the appt time I have for Original Owner to talk w/ Shelley's Vet is Wednesday at 12:30 EST, and maybe we want to give her a day to absorb this, maybe Thursday afternoon or Friday morning? (And this is of couse assuming she even WANTS to talk with him - and also that she's able to call him at that time. If she want to talk with him but can't at that time, I'll re-arrange another appt time.

So again, I'll call Original Owner around noon EST which I guess is 10 her time. I don't even know if she's working or what she does during the day.
SIGH! Kinda complicated but hopefully is our best shot at seeing that The Dog has the great remaining years she deserves.



December 5, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
I followed all of it and thank you so much for all you are doing for The Dog. Shelter Director and I will speak with Original Owner after you and Shelley's Vet have gone over things and are at a place where you feel she is understanding what would be involved in providing the proper care for The Dog.

There is no rush because she cannot travel until after 12/30. If it gets to that point, I then need to research what is available because I would not want her in the cargo of plane and I have researched ground transport and that sounds not great for this dog either. I have been told that ASPCA has volunteers that might help but I am getting ahead of myself. We first need to know whether Original Owner can care for the dog.

I so appreciate what you are doing. I know for sure you saved me from a few more gray hairs and my poor hairdresser would not want more of those!
I await to see what transpires and Another Rescue Group will absolutely want to reimburse you for any costs. Thanks again. ps. How are your dogs doing?



December 2, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: (name w/o job title; was the Acting Shelter Director)
CC: Shelley
Dear Shelter Director, Hope you are surviving this hectic week.
I won't be coming into the shelter today and we will be deferring the call to Original Owner . I have turned the matter over to the lady, Shelley, at the Best Ever Humane Society in (another state).

This, I know, seems like a most unlikely source to be leaning on for help with this matter but this is the reason why. It was Shelley who Original Owner contacted and it was Shelley who guided her through the maze of different websites to locate her dog The Dog. Shelley and Original Owner seem to have a trust going and a good communication between them. Shelley wrote to The Transporter, saying that in a recent conversation with Original Owner, it felt as though the Western Shelter was resisting giving her dog back.

Since that e-mail, The Transporter asked that I, Shelter Manager, respond directly to Shelley. She also expressed her complete confidence in whatever decision our shelter makes. She further spoke of her gratitude for all we have done for the Katrina's she brought back. Turns out Shelley is quite a nice person, very conversational and quite up on Heartworm disease. I have been very careful to be absolutely truthful about this situation. I relayed that The Dog was quite sick with treatment for HW and was the most ill dog of the group and that we have gotten first rate care for her. I have expressed my deep concern that I have a distinct impression that Original Owner does not believe that her dog had/has HW and is not interested in getting future vet care for this dog.

Once Shelley realized that The Dog's health could decline without care and that indeed she may not get care, she too became concerned and is beginning to comprehend the possibility that Original Owner does not seem to be understanding the need for future care because Original Owner does not believe that The Dog ever had heartworm.

I have been sending you copies of all communications.

Shelley came up with a plan I felt was an excellent one. Her own vet, Shelley's Vet, is not a certified cardiologist but is a qualified vet and has a great deal of additional education in this field. He has been told of my descriptions of what has been done for Jazz and what will likely be her future medical needs. He is inclined to concur and wanted to read medical records for care up until now. Shelley's Vet has agreed to speak with Original Owner after reviewing all records.

I spent yesterday transcribing our health history (at 8 pt type it came off the fax machine as a blur) and then went to Western Shelter's Vet and collected all of The Dog's records there and they included her records from Animal Urgent Care. All of this has now been faxed to Shelley's Vet.

I believe Shelley will do the right thing by The Dog. She and Shelley's Vet will either prevail upon Original Owner a good understanding of the vet care The Dog will need or they will help her understand that if she cannot or will not get The Dog to the vet for retesting and treatment ( 5/06 antigen test and if it is positive will then require more immiticide treatment), that she may well not live long or at the very least have a poor quality of life. Also giving heartworm prevention becomes a life or death issue for this dog.

Both of these individuals have completely convinced me they are most interested in being as sure (as anyone can be) that care would be forthcoming.
If they are successful they will call us with that news. Realize that success here may be that they believe Original Owner should surrender her dog to the Western Shelter. It may also mean that Original Owner pledges to get vet care and comprehends the need for it.

I await their recommendations and at that time we can draw up a plan to talk with Original Owner at the point where all parties feels she would be able and willing to care for the dog. Additionally Another Rescue Group has agreed to pay for the antigen test and for heartworm prevention for 6 months and in fact Western Shelter's Vet donated 12 months of heartworm prevention-Sentinel. It still must be given to the dog to be effective. Then after 6 months the medical care will be the responsibility of Original Owner. Transport to and from the vet will be vital.

I appreciate the help of Shelley. This lightens my load. you know this has been an impossible situation that has weighed heavily upon me. Please also know, which I am sure that you do, I would never purposely do anything to jeopardize the reputation of our shelter and the programs we have worked so hard to put in place.

I also feel strongly that if I care not a wit about whether The Dog lives or dies after her struggle, including horrific pain and suffering, I would then be an absolute fake. It would be morally indefensible to surrender the dog to her certain death just for a warm fuzzy story in the news.

I believe that Shelley and Shelley's Vet will be most effective in sorting this out so that the right thing will happen for The Dog. I will update you as soon as I have more information.



December 5, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Adoptive Home
CC: Shelley
Hi Adoptive Home, I could not remember if I had sent this to you but Shelter Director is in agreement with what is being done. Shelley and the good doc will be talking with Original Owner this week. Shelter Director and I will be talking with her too but not until after I hear back from them what they believe her level of understanding is regarding vet care etc. I will be back in touch. Hope to see you at the volunteer pot luck.



December 5, 2005
From: Adoptive Home
To: Shelter Manager
CC: Shelley
Interesting thing happened this weekend. Took The Dog to my granddaughter's soccer playoff game in Irvine who was the hit of all the kids and parents. I told the story about how she was a rescued dog from Katrina, yakka, yakka, yakka. The granddkids took turns taking the leash and taking her for a walk - which she LOVES to do. However, they would get about 50' away and around she would turn and come right back to me. I had to make a phone call and handed The Dog over to my daughter and headed off. When I got to the car, where comes The Dog literally dragging Ann across the field towards me. About the 3rd quarter a woman came off the field behind us and started talking to me. She told me that she was a vet in A City, and had been listening to our conversations and watching The Dog and wanted to talk to me about her opinion of the dog being returned to her owner. She stated that watching The Dog she felt strongly that this dog had already been through all the trauma it was going to handle and had seriously attached herself to me as her support. She said she felt that emotionally this dog was on her last secure leg - that she was seriously attached at this point.

I told you that she follows me and needs to be in every room I'm in. So one time I was in the guest bathroom and The Dog woke up and realized that I wasn't there. I was very quiet, and she was very anxious running from room to room until she found me....then she just curls up at my feet. AND, if anyone needs to know if I have the money to support any of The Dog's future dealings at the vet, I do.....but I'm thinking the gist of your e-mail is that they are coming over to "our" thinking that we just leave things the way they are. Fingers crossed!!!



December 5, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Adoptive Home
CC: Shelley
Adoptive Home, thank you so much for this. I will forward this to Shelley and the Doctor too. I did tell them that the vet allowed only you to take the one HW+ dog home that was the worst in the area of side affects and difficult symptoms because she was so stressed without you that was bad too so that you sat up with her all night. Sounds like The Dog is bonding to you in such a way that she might actually have some additional symptoms to deal with if separated from you. (Did you keep the vet's name that rendered an opinion?)



December 05, 2005 2:55 PM
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Hi Shelley, I wanted to forward this on to you. This is very much what I had been hearing from the shelter staff about The Dog too. Adoptive Home and The Dog come for a visit but when The Dog can't see Adoptive Home she gets into a panic. This cannot be great for her heart. Interestingly she is seems fine at home though when Adoptive Home goes to work although her roommate is there when she is gone and she works from home too. This dog has bonded to her way beyond what we ever expected might happen.

I hope you don't think this was cruel in any way, because I never meant for it to be but when I began to comprehend how difficult this was and how it may actually be detrimental to The Dog's health, I did ask Original Owner if she might consider adopting another dog in the area where she lives and that Another Rescue Group would pay fee's and vet care for up to 6 months including heartworm treatment and prevention if needed. I know this sounds cold, but my heart has been so heavy trying to make all this come out OK for The Dog . Trust me Original Owner and her son have been on my mind too. I feel awful that they are missing her. I have to admit I have had some tough stuff to deal with caring for so many beautiful animals over the years for the shelter but this is without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Help us, do what is right.




December 05, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
No, Shelter Manager, that doesn't sound cruel or cold to me at all but the opposite. I would be very happy to hear that Original Owner reacted positively to your offer. How did that go? Or sorry am I being dense and was this awhile ago?

I've thought the same thing myself, that if this doesn't work out for any one of several reasons it may not, that there are so very many wonderful dogs in need of homes everywhere that would be less special needs than The Dog. Sad but true.

I remember Original Owner telling me that the home they adopted (or bought?) The Dog from was not nice at all, that they treated her poorly and viewed her as hyper and/or destructive. And as she drove away with The Dog, Original Owner realized she'd failed to ask what The Dog had been eating, and she felt bad about that. So she called, I guess from home or her cel, and these people would never answer the phone or return her call. She figured they thought she wanted to bring The Dog right back to them.

This is very hard. I too have thought of offering some sort of like, "Let me pay your vet bills" thing for Original Owner but I just can't afford that, it wouldn't be right for anyone. And for all I know, money may not be that big an issue or an issue at all, I just don't know their status. I did call Shelley's Vet to be sure he fully understood the story. He's very willing to do his best to make clear his view of The Dog's current and future needs but of course that's all he can do. I do hope Original Owner will want to talk to him, as he's very good at explaining things and very, well, very nice. I went to high school with his older brother and they're all plain old good eggs. But please do let me know how Original Owner reacted to your (VERY KIND and generous) offer.



December 5, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
I have to say that I think she was not interested in the offer but as I say, for some reason I could not get her to talk to me. I don't usually have that affect on people. Very odd but then maybe she was angry and felt it best to say nothing.




December 5, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
So at least she didn't say absolutely not? Or was it more like silence? Or "I'll think about it"? Maybe she's not angry, I mean, I hope not - I didn't hear anger when I talked to her - more confusion.

Really, if we can accept that she didn't know The Dog was sick at all, then it is a long jump for her to make to comprehend how fragile this sturdy looking little dog really is. If it were her "old life" she was leading, and she was hearing this from her "old vet" whose motivations she wouldn't doubt, well, hopefully then it would have registered better and without any doubt about why this vet is telling her these things, what she needs to do, how much it will cost, etc.
You do wonder - assuming most people kept their dogs current at least on rabies shots - what DID the vets down there say about heartworm? Nothing? Or were most rabies shots given at animal control clinics for free or low cost and the vets doing that didn't say a darn thing? ?!??!



December 6, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
You and I are thinking alike again! I wondered too what the vet said. According to Original Owner, she brought the dog to the vet once in Jan. 05 and the vet never talked with her about heartworm? This is crazy unless as you say it was a shot clinic. Original Owner said she would talk with her son and get back to me. I have not heard from her since.




December 6, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Just wanted you to get copied on a note sent back to me by Adoptive Home, where I ask if she kept the Irvine's vets name that saw both Adoptive Home and The Dog and while it was not an exam, after hearing the story the vet seemed alarmed that we would consider sending The Dog anywhere. She undoubtedly saw how attached the dog is to Adoptive Home.

I asked if Adoptive Home had kept the vet's name. Her response: "I didn't keep anyone's name because I was pretty sure The Dog was gone....but this e-mail from you has given me some hope that perhaps it is NOT a done deal!!!! You should see the mornings! I get up about 5:30 - let The Dog out to pee, turn on the furnace and crawl back in bed. The Dog is on one side and Fluffy (the shelter kitty I adopted 3 years ago) is on the other - both vying for attention. And they are nose to nose on my chest. It's a Kodak moment! "




December 7, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Am I crazy or did you all at some point tell me you offered to pay for The Dog's vet care through May 2006 whether Adoptive Home keeps her OR Original Owner takes her back?

I don't think it's at all unlikely that a vet saw The Dog and never mentioned HW - unless the majority of people on the Gulf Coast totally ignore their vets' advice. Either way seems completely bizarre to me - vets not pleading with owners to have a simple blood test and use an inexpensive monthly pill OR vets not bothering to mention this at all?! Neither one makes any sense to me. I'm about to Email you on another 'link in this chain' - but wanted you to know that the work Shelley's Vet did in cardiology, as a vet student in 1990 at (a vet school) won him the "A Cardiology Prize;" that award is hanging in his lobby and I've seen it 8,000 times but couldn't think of the name of it.




December 7, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Janashek, Shelley
WOW! That vet sounds brilliant. Yes I did say we would help with heartworm treatment (if needed) but now I am so nervous that if she does not get it from the right vet, it will kill the dog. Did those old guys in the south get their vet license out of a cereal box? So maybe I should just say prevention?




December 7, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
I spoke with Original Owner last night for around 15 minutes and we had a good talk. She's very appreciative of Shelley's Vet's willingness to talk with her and will be keeping the "appointment" today at 12:30 my time (which is 10:30 her time and perhaps yours as well?).

I started by asking what you/The Transporter had told her about The Dog's health and she gave me a summary that I consider to be in line with what you had mentioned. The only thing lacking were the details of the severity The Dog's reaction to the imiticide, but she did know that the treatment hadn't gone well and that The Dog had to be taken back to the vet because of that.

I re-detailed how that had gone, and that The Dog was sent home with her foster mom only because it seemed that staying at the vet was stressing her more than leaving might.

It was hard to tell her, and hard for her to hear, how much pain The Dog had been in. We talked also about the medications The Dog had to be given for pain at that point perhaps negating to some extent the impact of the immiticide, and that would not be known until the May re-test. We talked too about the need to protect The Dog, more than most dogs, from heat, cold, exercise, and stress. I compared The Dog to if Original Owner or I were to go the doctor tomorrow and be told we have diabetes: we may look and feel fine (and The Dog does look beautifully healthy in her photos, and apparently acted and played as she always had), but we in fact have a serious illness. I assured Original Owner that for a dog to be as young as The Dog but so heavily HW+ that she was likely bitten as a very young dog/pup, and that the HW was in no way Original Owner's fault as it no doubt happened when The Dog was with her first (neglectful) owners, and took only that one bite to infest her with the HW.

My hope is that Shelley's Vet can advise her on many things: how likely it is that The Dog's pain meds will have blunted the immiticide and therefore necessitate re-treatment; how The Dog will need to be cared for; what meds she's likely to need in the future and how soon in her life, (ie cardiac support meds such as Enalapyrl, Lasix, etc?); her lifespan being impacted; and his assessment of the costs of what she's likely to need annually, ie two vet visits per year, CBC twice a year, annual Xrays, whatever. as well as some costs of what might occur in a crisis now or in the future. And so on! I wish I could be a third party to the call as I can only hope that she will ask some questions and/or that he will address some things even if she doesn't have the knowledge or courage to raise them, as I know it can be intimidating to talk to any Doctor, even though he's not "like that" at all.

I told Original Owner I'd give her a call later tonight or tomorrow. I also told Original Owner that no matter what she decides about The Dog that The Dog cannot travel until the end of the month. She was fine with that. We did discuss that The Dog would probably never be a good candidate for being flown, and she said that The Dog does enjoy being taken for car rides so that is the likely way to handle the transport if it does take place.

Original Owner also mentioned your offer of helping her find another rescue dog or puppy and I think she appreciates the offer but it was at that time seen (I think, I may be wrong) as you might fear it would be taken, that is, "we'll keep your dog but here's another dog." I mean, I think her son's reaction was as most people would be, that is, "I want The Dog, not just any dog."

Now I know that's not how it was intended, and that's NOT how she described it to me, I'm reading between the lines. I think now that she and I have further discussed The Dog's current and future needs, that your offer will be seen in a different light - not that it may be something they will do, but that it's now seen more as it was intended.



December 7, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Thank you so much Shelley. Sounds like you are making progress. I only hope that Original Owner will accept this information. When I told her that this dog would have to be on heartworm prevention each and every month for the rest of her life, Original Owner asked how much that would cost. I was thinking of sentinel rather than heartguard because of the protection for whipworm (and I am told she needs to be protected from all parasites) so I said possibly $10 per month. I realize that is high for heartworm prevention but you know and I know that there will be other things as well. She said she might be able to manage that much. Hmmmmm! Lets see what happens with the discussion with your vet. Also the Pred was required because of the build up of fluid in the lung tissue and is what may well have reduced the effectiveness of the treatment. This is so stressful as I am sure you know. I so appreciate your help.




December 12, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Have you heard from Original Owner since she spoke with my vet last Wed?




December 12, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
I have not heard a single word from her. I will ask The Transporter if she spoke with her.



December 12, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Thanks, OK then, I'll call her tonight. If she wants to speak again with you guys, is there any good or "out" time that I should let her know? I think you have to coordinate with the vet and someone else so I know it may take a day or more to get everyone's schedules straight. I think I told Original Owner I'd call her this weekend, but then the weekend went wild on me and at some point I figured, well, another day or two for her and her family to talk this over can only help.



December 12, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
I don't know if Original Owner completely understood everything that Shelley's Vet told her. I hope she did.

This past week on Friday, the Director of Public Services (shelter manager's boss) sat down with me and with Shelter Director to go over this entire case. He pointed out that the only contract currently is with Adoptive Home, the person who has The Dog. The shelter entered into a contract with her that said the original owner had 30 days to retrieve their dog from the date of impound. That is our standard contract and was not altered for Katrina Dogs.

Shelley, I don't know if I told you this but when ASPCA asked if our shelter wanted to take Katrina dogs, we declined because of the wait period they were imposing. We have seen dogs left in a kennel for more than 30 days and the stress of it can be awful. Not until Another Rescue Group asked (with the stipulation we could adopt dogs out at 30 days) did our shelter say yes.

As you know The Dog was the sickest of the dogs and we feared she would die from the immiticide because of her reaction to the treatments. If Adoptive Home had not given her such extraordinary care, she would be dead by now. Also the top flight vets as well. The night she struggled to breathe it was only due to the fact Animal ER was a few steps away that she was saved that night.

Our legal staff feels the contract we entered into with Adoptive Home is binding and not unless Adoptive Home feels she wants to give up the dog to Original Owner can this be done. Now, just in the past 3-4 weeks The Dog has become so attached to Adoptive Home, that she has panic attacks if she cannot be with her.

I spoke with Adoptive Home and asked what her decision would be at this point. Adoptive Home now feels that The Dog will only have a quality life if she gets every single bit of m edical care she needs and right when she needs it. She cannot be convinced that this will happen if she surrenders the dog. She has therefore decided to keep The Dog.

The offer that Another Rescue Group has made to Original Owner regarding another dog if she decided she wants to rescue another dog will be good for 6 months. We would pay for adoption fees, heartworm prevention, heartworm treatment and initial vet exam and care.

This is not easy. I feel quite sad for Original Owner but I also cannot fault Adoptive Home. If this dog were not a special needs dog, there would be no question, it would go back to Original Owner. That is not the case. I want you to know how appreciative I am and if Shelley's Vet has a bill, please forward it to me, Shelter Manager at the Western Shelter (address).

Shelley I have marveled at all you know about animal care. Your shelter is so lucky to have you there doing what you do for the orphaned animals. I looked on the web site for your shelter and it looks as though you all do one fantastic job. I am so pleased I got to know you and if there is a time you travel this way, I would love to show you the Western Shelter. The City staff was pleased and thankful for your help too. Sadly there seems to be no way to make this perfect for everyone. Perhaps though the best thing has happened for The Dog.



December 12, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
I'm surprised and troubled by the timing of this Email, Shelter Manager. After the hard work and discussions you and I've had, and the groundwork I've carefully laid with Original Owner for negotiations, Western Shelter wants to rush into territory that, so far, has resulted in across the board mandated
returns of the dogs to their legal owners, ie (reference to a case just then settled in which a shelter was court-ordered to return a Katrina dog to its owner despite having adopted it out to a new home).

We don't even know if Original Owner has decided to bring The Dog back into her family. As I mentioned before receipt of your Email, I'll call her tonight. But please note:

1) Returning The Dog to Original Owner is quite different than taking The Dog from Adoptive Home and giving her to a stranger. Do you honestly think Original Owner would have contacted me (at BEHS) and worked with me for weeks as we searched for The Dog, despite Original Owner's difficulties with finding and using a computer, if she didn't care for The Dog? Is there any doubt that this spayed, well fed, collared-and-tagged dog who slept with Original Owner's son and was a housedog, was a loved family pet? Adoptive Home has loved The Dog for over a month, and seen her through horrible pain and life-threatening drug reactions. Original Owner and her family have loved The Dog for far more time, and have lost their homes and their entire way of life. That is, if you took care of my dog for three months, Shelter Manager, I would hope it would grow to love you, but your giving it back to me would be a joyful reunion for my dog and me, not a stressor.

2) The ASPCA and HSUS (the agency that set the standards and drew up the contracts that rescuing agencies were supposed to sign with the state of Louisiana) asked that the dogs be held a minimum of 30 days, which was then extended to Jan 1 as soon as the utter chaos of all the systems, and of the owners lives, was realized. Most shelters didn't kennel their dogs for this time period: they found foster homes for the animals either prior to their arrival at these shelters or soon thereafter. BEHS had foster homes waiting, and Western Shelter obviously placed The Dog into a wonderful foster home, I assume promptly. The contract stipulates that, due to legal and moral standards, "You accept this animal with the understanding that you are fostering it until Jan 1, and if its owner is found prior to that time, then the animal must go back to its owner." BEHS has these contracts from Louisiana that our fosters signed. It isn't Original Owner's fault, nor is it grounds on which to keep her dog from her, if these contracts were not used with Western Shelter's Katrina fosters.

3) Please let me know how someone from Louisiana, who has lost her home and has no idea you have her dog, could possibly contact you within 30 days? To expect a homeless Louisiana owner to meet your standard 30-days retrieval mandate, quite applicable to Western Shelter community residents, clearly makes no sense in this context.

4) There is no reason for anyone to say that The Dog can only get the care she needs there with Adoptive Home. That simply is not known at this point.

5) My entire goal in this process was to serve as liaison between Western Shelter and Original Owner to cool emotions and potential judgementalism on either side, and ensure that Original Owner understands, and can make an informed decision about The Dog's ownership, based upon the facts and monetary needs of The Dog's current and future health needs. To that end, I offered to pay my vet's consultation fee, and will pay that fee myself. I will not ask for reimbursement from Another Rescue.

6) That Western Shelter mistakenly, and I'm sure with good intentions, allowed this foster home to "adopt" The Dog doesn't make it right, nor does it mean that will hold up in court if Original Owner does want The Dog back. Sadly, this is not the only case in which a foster home and an owner are both in line for sorrow that could have been avoided if the simple processes had been adhered to.

7) We may all acknowledge we feel bad for Adoptive Home, and we feel bad for Original Owner and her son, etc. That there will be considerable pain to any of these people at some point soon is a real shame. The fact remains that The Dog is Original Owner's dog, and nothing in Western Shelter's notes below changes that.

Now I feel that, after a couple of weeks of open communication, you and I are back to square one. I acted in good faith in all my communications with you and The Transporter. I'm terribly disappointed that, rather than allow me to speak with Original Owner and tell you where she seems to be heading, you all met as a group and resurrected the same judgmental, illogical, and inequitable points you and I had laid to rest.

I can assure you of only one thing at this point: by sending me this Email, Western Shelter has made the very thing that it hopes to accomplish far more difficult for me to now achieve.




December 12, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Shelley, I have been told that the decision is not mine. The shelter was
never told that anything other than 30 days was expected for a "waiting
period". NOT BY ANYONE!

Also you have chosen to believe Original Owner that she was never told about heartworm. I understand you have that right. Adoptive Home does not believe this. The dog was coughing when she arrived. It is quite possible she was doing that even before. I am learning as I go and don't have all the answers. Remember Original Owner has never called me. She did not call me even after she spoke with Shelley's Vet 5 days ago. I checked and she did not call The Transporter either. Even you have said that you are not sure about the vets at least in New Orleans.

We are not asking Original Owner to provide common care but special needs care. I get where Adoptive Home is coming from. Original Owner says the dog she knew was never sick. I have to assume she never went through several weeks where her dog was gravely ill. This Adoptive Home has done. I am a only a mortal. I have done everything in my power to make this come out OK but I don't feel I can do more. I am sorry you feel the shelter is not being fair but from their perspective they have no choice, the dog does not belong to them now. I will forward your message along.



December 12, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Shelley, I can see that you feel this is not the right decision. The problem I'm having is, (I need to be totally honest here, this has made me ill and I am driving myself and family pretty crazy so for everyone's sake I will bow out). The Shelter Director is very eager to talk with Original Owner. I make no promises because there is the other side of this contract which presents another problem. Please have Original Owner call Shelter Director at 555-111-1111.

I am sorry if I have disappointed you. I did not mean to do that but I feel so conflicted at the moment I feel completely ineffective to assist anyone with this. Shelter Director is a good person and very competent. She is at the shelter Monday through Friday 8:00 am til 4:00 pm. Good luck in all of this. I do really appreciate your effort. Shelter Director has copies of every email we have sent to one another. Of course we were all hoping that Original Owner might discover the proper care of The Dog would be more than she could handle. We will see what happens. I will send you Shelter Director's email too but I have to look it up.



December 12, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Shelter Manager, I didn't say that the decision was/is yours personally; I believe I used "Western Shelter" throughout my EMail rather than "you."

However, none of my points below are addressed in your response. The issue is not what I believe, you believe, or Adoptive Home believes - nor what
Western Shelter believes. The issue is what is by law, and by moral right,
correct.

No one is permitted to take a ring from you, and say that they have a
right to continue to possess it simply because they do currently possess
it.

Nor would saying that they took that ring and then gave it to their
neighbor make these terms acceptable to you, and would not make the
situation irrevocable.

Western Shelter can claim that "no one told them that they needed to hold the animals longer than 30 days," but simple common sense, as well the contracts Louisiana required of all rescue groups removing property from the citizens of Louisiana, clearly informs the common man that a displaced citizen of Louisiana would have no way of knowing their animal was in the custody of an animal shelter in (the Western Shelter's state).

The issues are straighforward: 1) who does The Dog belong to? 2) what are
her current and future needs? 3) does Original Owner understand these needs? and 4) can Original Owner financially support these needs?

The answers are:

1) The Dog is Original Owner's dog. The Dog was never relinquished by Original Owner. The Dog was never Western Shelter's to adopt out.

2) The Dog's medical needs are as detailed by the Western Shelter vet, and
as reviewed by Shelley's Vet here in Maryland; these veterinary issues were
discussed with Original Owner by you (I believe) some weeks ago, and by Shelley's Vet on Wednesday.

3) In Shelley's Vet's opinion, and in mine, Original Owner is fully advised of
and fully understands these needs. Original Owner asked Shelley's Vet what he considers to be pertinent questions asked by a caring owner, and beyond, ie, were there vitamins that would help support The Dog's health, what sort of exercise would be appropriate, what medicines was she likely to need as
she ages, etc.

4) Original Owner re-stated to me tonight, without any leading or prompting,
The Dog's needs as mentioned in #2, and that she is fully willing and able
to support these needs. Original Owner's detailing of The Dog's needs dovetail
exactly with how Shelley's Vet described his conversation with Original Owner.

I see tonight that The Transporter has removed The Dog from (her website of other Katrina rescues) entirely. The Dog isn't listed as reunited with her owner, as are all the other dogs whose owners The Transporter has located. Why is there no joy that The Dog's owner is found and wants her back? The Dog is simply gone from the site, as though The Transporter never brought her back at all. While I realize you have no responsibility for what The Transporter does with her website, I find this yet one more point of concern.

I'm so very disappointed in people who are supposed to be my colleagues behaving in this manner.

If you know me, Shelter Manager, as you believe you do from our EMails, then I believe you realize that I would have no interest in reuniting an abused dog with its owner. The Dog is a well-loved family pet, spayed, collared,
healthy weight and condition, and described as "energetic and loving" on
The Transporter's site - that is, before The Transporter chose to remove The Dog from her site.

The only "fault" we can find with The Dog's owner is that The Dog is HW+. Surely you realize that this is true of the vast majority of other well-loved Gulf Coast pets. The Dog had a severe and unusual reaction to the immiticide; that was shocking, and horrible, and a crisis - certainly that reaction was not caused by anything Original Owner did, or failed to do, to The Dog.

I'd be interested to know please what steps would Original Owner have to take in order to satisfy Western Shelter that she should have The Dog back?

In one past EMail Adoptive Home says to you, "You asked if I can financially support The Dog's needs - the answer is yes, I can." Obviously that was a point of concern you recently (and rightly) raised with Adoptive Home, and there is her reply. Is her simple "yes, I can," sufficient for you, with no apparent substantiation of Adoptive Home's claim being asked? Since Original Owner has also said "yes, I can," is that not also sufficient? Should they both be asked to submit further proof of financial health? How should we decide if either one of them is being honest, and/or how can we assess how much money they may need to spend on The Dog 5 or 10 years from now? How can we be assured that they will have the money to spend on her at that time, and/or that they'll choose to spend it on her?

I'm truly wondering, if we step back from both Adoptive Home and Original Owner, how we would make this decision, were it to be based on financial health alone.

We would like to again ask that Shelley's Vet please review The Dog's Xray or ultrasound, as that was not among the documents Western Shelter FAXd. However, this will be for information and care/guidance purposes only. I directly and explicitly asked Original Owner tonight, that if the Xray/ultrasound showed extensive cardiac/pulmonary damage, would Original Owner still want The Dog back, even given the shortened lifespan and further augmented veterinary support she would need. Without a moment's hesitation, Original Owner said yes.

The Dog is "their girl," they love her, and they want her back in full
acceptance of her limitations/special needs (dietary/heat/cold/exercise),
and probablilty of a reduced lifespan. They fully accept her fragility,
and refer to her as being like "any human heart patient," which certainly
sums it up.

Shelter Manager, I sit here tonight with great sadness. I work for a Humane
Society that has spent truly untold hours of staff and volunteer time
trying to do the right thing for our Katrina animals and their owners.

Please look at the reunions on our Katrina page at (website for my shelter). Had we chosen to take the stance with our rescues that Western Shelter is taking with The Dog, I couldn't hold my head high when I answer EMails and phone calls from people like Original Owner.

I know at one point, several EMails ago, you or Adoptive Home referred to me as "coming over to our side." I didn't address that point with you, as I have great sympathy for Adoptive Home. Perhaps now is the time for me to tell you, that remark hit me hard. I am not on your side, and I am not on Original Owner's side. The Dog is paramount to me.




December 13, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
I have forwarded this on to Shelter Director. Also I have forwarded this on to Adoptive Home. For personal health reasons, I can no longer participate in this. I would like Original Owner to call Shelter Director so that the two of them can work this through. Adoptive Home has said if she could be convinced that the dog would get care, she would be OK with letter her go. I don't consider that selfish at all. Please have Original Owner call Shelter Director . There is at least logistical problems to work out with transport that need to be discussed.




December 13, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Please know, Shelter Manager, that I never thought or said that you or Adoptive Home were being selfish. It's the very good-heartedness of you all that makes this whole thing so very sad.

Please let's hope and pray that both of these homes will love and care for The Dog as she deserves for whatever years she has left. If she does go to Original Owner, I'll assure Original Owner that if at any point down the road, one year or ten, she cannot give The Dog what The Dog needs, that I'll find a way to have it provided where they live or will come get The Dog from them, no matter what it takes for me to do so. You can imagine that I don't make such a promise lightly.

The Dog's future weighs heavily on me too. You've done only good things for The Dog: you all saved her life and found her another loving home that supported her in a horrible crisis. My only point of concern all along has been that her owner be allowed to have her dog back if she can, and is willing to, continue to fully support The Dog's needs.




December 13, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To : Shelley
I just left a message on your work phone. We are all trying hard to see the Original Owner that you describe.

She will get her dog back because of what you are telling us, and we do appreciate all you did to get her to talk to a vet. Our understanding from you, is that she will provide medical care and comprehends the specific needs. We sensed she was able and willing in all other areas to care for her. It would do us all good if she Original Owner could be more conversational with Shelter Director, and express her concern for The Dog's welfare and her understanding and willingness to get medical help. She will get the dog back if she doesn't do those things but it will certainly go a long way toward mending a broken heart of the one person that makes it possible for her to get a "live" dog back, and that is Adoptive Home.

Thanks again for all you have done. Shelter Director has already initiated a phone call to both the vet because she is getting seen tomorrow (to determine if she could fly rather than be driven) and to the coordinator who said she could help get a discount or free flight. The City has already agreed to allow someone to go with the dog on the flight.

I don't think it is asking too much for Original Owner to find a vet locally that is up on HW so she can give us the name of that person, phone and address and fax line (we need to get that to her current attending vet) and also to find a Urgent Care as near as possible to the airport, in case The Dog is not able to breathe well from the flight. ALSO can you give us the best and most current tel number and address. Thank you Shelley.




December 13, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
My head is spinning. What's changed from yesterday to today?!

When last we even mentioned The Dog going home, it was not to occur until Dec 30 at the earliest. We also agreed that The Dog would never be flown, but would be driven back. Shelley's Vet said that The Dog should not be flown! Since the need is mentioned for an ER near the airport, clearly this is not a wise plan.

I thought there was a clear next step in place: Original Owner is to now speak with you/Shelter Director/the Western Shelter vet.

I think you/Shelter Director/the Western Shelter vet DO need to speak with Original Owner!! The Western Shelter Vet would also be welcome to call Shelley's Vet of course, to hear his opinion of Original Owner. Original Owner is in Another State Out West, just settling into a house (I assume a rental), and her phone is 504-000-0000. And Western Shelter should ask Original Owner to check into all the contact information you describe: vet, closest emergency vet, etc. The Dog must have an ER nearby should she need to be treated with immiticide again in May.

You can't know Original Owner's current HW knowledge, or her thoughts and plans now, before speaking with her. If, after you all speak with Original Owner, and then at that point are still not satisfied with Original Owner's abilities to care for The Dog, then take that stance at that time and let your legal staff guide you from there.

My goal, again, was to do all I could to ensure that Original Owner is fully advised of The Dog's care-needs now and in the future. I'm confident that between Western Shelter and Shelley's Vet, and my conversations with Original Owner, that Original Owner now understands The Dog's situation.

Please try to see the common ground you all share, and talk with Original Owner with that goal. Do you see what I mean? Western Shelter may do best to emphasize with Original Owner in great detail what I truly believe is the shared sincere desire that The Dog be safe and well. I don't think anything is achieved by quoting to Original Owner "the law" under which The Dog was adopted out, etc.

If, for example, where Original Owner is now settled there is no emergency vet within a few minutes drive, then that alone might help Western Shelter and Original Owner make the decision right then and there. If there is an ER, Original Owner should call them and discuss The Dog with them: ie, if The Dog needed to stay there for 24-hour monitoring for a few days after an immiticide treatment, what would that cost? Obviously it's best for any dog to be in its own home but reality may be otherwise. I hope and pray The Dog needs no other immiticide, but I think Original Owner understands the need to plan out the "what if's" in terms of worst-case scenarios.




Tuesday, December 13, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
I didn't realize that you'd called me here, I'm sorry I missed your call. Again, I believe the final step is Western Shelter now speaking with Original Owner and being comfortable (or not) with Original Owner's current level of HW knowledge and understanding of The Dog's needs and ability/willingness to meet those needs. I think that "level" is good, much better than a month ago, but I'm irrelevant to Western Shelter's decision.

It's a decision I don't envy, as I truly don't know how to choose between what seem to be equally good, loving homes. The Dog is Original Owner's dog, so I believe that fact, assessed in conjunction with Original Owner's access to a quality vet and ER practice within a reasonable distance, would be strong factors to consider. I know and greatly respect how seriously Western Shelter has taken The Dog's care, and how Adoptive Home has supported that care. I continue to hope and believe that these are both "right homes" for The Dog.




December 13, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Bless you! We will do our best.




December 13, 2005
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
I think I have been reading these messages out of order. Anyway we will see what the vet thinks. Also I will be in touch with the lead coordinator of the rescue effort to see what resources are available for transport. What would be grand would be a private plane but I guess I best not count on that one. We are just beginning to put those plans together.




December 14, 2005
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Manager
Just checking in this morning to try to sum up my thoughts from our last Emails. Overall, here’s my opinion/guidance, for what it’s worth (if anything) as to what your focus should be when talking to Original Owner, as I hope you will soon.

1) The Dog’s day-to-day care, especially as she ages, is one thing – Original Owner is willing and aware, I believe to support these needs. Even so, there is merit in knowing that she has reasonable access to a quality (certified?) vet and, more so than with a non-special needs dog, reasonable proximity to an ER which can provide oxygen, fluids, IV meds, etc, for any other needs/crisis’s that may occur with any dog, but especially one of The Dog’s status.

2) The Dog had a grave reaction to the immiticide in November. This procedure possibly (or probably, what does Western Shelter's vet say the “odds are?”) procedure that will need to be repeated in 6 months that, if it is needed, is almost inevitable to cause The Dog serious, life-threatening reactions. I just got off the phone with Shelley's Vet and he believes that the expectation is that she WILL have the exact same life-threatening reaction to the immiticide: he would be surprised if she did not. While we hope and pray The Dog will not need that May immiticide, it’s at least a possibility. Western Shelter’s Vet should address how strong that possibility is, as I have no idea how likely it is that the drugs The Dog had to be given to buffer her pain and suffering did blunt the impact of the immiticide on the HW.

3) Reasonable access to a quality vet, an ER, and the ability to assess the likely costs of the ER care The Dog may need in May, and the other, more “basic” ER support The Dog may need in general, is the most important topic for Western Shelter to lay on the table and discuss openly with Original Owner. You might suggest to her that she take a day or two to review/call local vets. Western Shelter, in turn, may need some time to address questions Original Owner has. IE, if Western Shelter's vet has a way to check the availability of veterinary cardiologists in Original Owner’s new town , that would be a very helpful step. Wherever an ER vet is, whether close to Original Owner’s town or perhaps an hour away, then either Western Shelter's vet or Original Owner can call that vet and ask for their best ballpark on costs for the care The Dog may need in May AND for their basic standard fees for, ie, overnight stays, fluids, oxygen support etc…those things that The Dog may need in the years to come. (While I believe Original Owner hopes/plans to return to New Orleans, she said that is at least a year away and likely longer-term than that.)

4) If an ER vet is quite close, then that’s good news. If an ER vet is within an half-day’s drive or so, then that vet is useful only in the context of support for the May immiticide treatment and/or for support for planned/non-crisis procedures, ie, should The Dog need any procedure with anesthesia, that should probably be done by an ER vet (ie dental cleaning).

5) Original Owner knows that she is very very welcome to call Shelley's Vet again (at my expense) and review with him any questions that may arise – she would just call and set another “appointment” so that they both have ample time to discuss these things. If there is a desire to “conference call” with him added in, again, I’m sure he’d do his best to work with you all. He’s there 8-7:30 weekdays only, our time. His surgery schedule varies from day to day.

6) I think that Western Shelter needs to act on the assumption that Original Owner is able and very willing to manage The Dog’s routine daily care needs. I believe your discussions should come from the heart, as you all care for The Dog. I think Western Shelter should emphasize that you all know that Original Owner would not want The Dog to suffer from lack of access to the strong veterinary ER support she may need in May, and is likely to need at various points throughout her life, especially as she ages.

7) I urge Western Shelter to take time to plan with care all steps along the way so as to provide clear veterinary guidance to Original Owner, and to take ample time to consider what Original Owner tells you, and in turn, please allow Original Owner ample time to consider what you tell her– so that you can all come to a reasoned decision as to what’s best for The Dog, which I believe you all share as a common goal.

8) I believe an excellent first step is calling Original Owner and asking to set up with her an “appointment” at a convenient time for you all to see what steps are next. I would also let her know that you all are (if possible) checking into the training/credentials of vets in her area for their ability to support The Dog’s special needs and are making some preliminary inquiries to them on her behalf. Then perhaps in a day or two this “information gathering” will give you all some good facts and costs to discuss. If you do take this step, you would want, of course, to please provide Original Owner with names and phone #s of these vets so she can easily followup with questions she may have. Perhaps she’s taken the initiative and contacted a vet herself or sought vet recommendations from neighbors (not sure that she’s settled in enough to know people there yet though).

I wish you all the very best and am keeping each one of you, most especially The Dog, in my thoughts and prayers.

December 14
From: Shelter Manager
To: Shelley
Thank you for these well thought out tips. Just so we are on the same page, Original Owner is to call Shelter Director, rather than the other way around. I do not have a current contact number for Original Owner and need that. Shelter Director is expecting to hear from Original Owner today or tomorrow. She has told staff to be expecting this call.




December 15, 2005
From: Shelter Director
To: Shelley
First and most important, I want to thank you for your assistance in the past month or so with this situation. I have been waiting for the chance to speak with Original Owner but she has not placed the call, as of this e-mail.

As the Shelter Director, I would like to have an opportunity to speak with her regarding the care of The Dog. I do believe after reading several e-mails including your last, that Original Owner truly wants her dog back and is willing to provide the care. Last and foremost, I would like to add that it never has been the intention of the Western Shelter nor any volunteers, not to return a Katrina dog to the owner.

I look forward to speaking with Original Owner soon to resolve this situation. She can reach me at (xxx) and I will be in for most of the day today and tomorrow. Thank you again.




December 15, 2005
To: Shelter Manager
From: Shelley
Thank you for your Email. If there’s any confusion about the phone call, I’m sure it’s my fault. I haven’t called Original Owner and asked her to call you – I gave Shelter Director the phone # for Original Owner, so that you could call Original Owner and work out a good time to speak with her. Perhaps it got lost in the layers of Emails. Her # is 504-000-0000. I believe she works but I’m not sure, as I normally call her after 9 PM EST which is, I think, 7 PM her time (my cel minutes after 9 are free). You can ask if she’s free to talk for awhile and take it from there.

Or if you want me to call her as an interim step, I can do that after 9 tonight and am glad to do so if you think that’s helpful. If I do that, what are a couple of “best time” options for you tomorrow and Monday? Are you trying to have Sheler Vet there when you speak with Original Owner, as Shelter Director had mentioned at one point? My opinion (again, for what it’s worth) is that might be wise; or if not to have Western Shelter's Vet there for your first call, then perhaps you and Original Owner can map out a followup time at which Western Shelter's Vet is there – especially if Western Shelter or Original Owner needs a day or two to search for contact vets and ER vets in Original Owner's current area? Just an idea…

I appreciate and greatly respect the veterinary and foster care Western Shelter has given The Dog.

Let me raise four concerns/ideas:

1) The qualities that have made The Dog so dear to Western Shelter's Adoptive Home are due to the loving home The Dog had with Original Owner. I feel very sad knowing that either Adoptive Home or Original Owner will have to surrender this little dog that they both love. The “good side” to that is that I also hope/believe that each will provide loving care for The Dog.

That leaves two legal/moral issues on the table: A) The Dog is Original Owner's dog, and B) The Dog may need Vet/ER care that cannot be supported where Original Owner now lives. If #2 is the case, Original Owner may agree that The Dog should stay with Adoptive Home. Or she may not. If that occurs, then only your legal team can advise you how to balance those two facts. There are animal-welfare-attorneys’ groups that can advise you about an animal’s right to receive a certain standard of care.

I’m also sorry that communications have been awkward. I understand that you all know and respect Adoptive Home and witnessed first-hand what an extraordinary level of care Adoptive Home gave The Dog when she was so ill. In turn, I believe that Original Owner would have given The Dog the same level of care, had she known The Dog was HW+ and had she access to quality vets as Adoptive Home does via Western Shelter, and the funding for same that I assume Western Shelter provided to Adoptive Home.

It would be only human if your inclination was to want Adoptive Home to keep The Dog for many reasons. I too have great admiration and respect for Adoptive Home, and sympathy for her distress. It’s also only human for you and I to have sympathy for the pain and grief that Original Owner and her son experience missing their dog, and not understanding why they were told she was adopted out “by law.”

2) You stated that “it never has been the intention of the Western Shelter nor any volunteers, not to return a Katrina dog to the owner.” Unless pieces of the Original Owner/Western Shelter conversations were mis-stated or not mentioned by Original Owner to me, Original Owner was not advised that Western Shelter did intend to return The Dog to her.

Further, I, and therefore likely Original Owner as well, have indeed been given reason to doubt Western Shelter’s willingness to return The Dog to her. Both initially, and again recently, I too was told that The Dog was adopted out “by law” under your standard 30-day reclamation process, which applies quite appropriately to Western Shelter residents, and that contractually/legally your legal team advised you that The Dog was no longer Western Shelter's to return.

It has seemed to me that Western Shelter has acted as though The Dog's owners were not worthy of having her back. Frankly I wonder that about many Katrina rescues: ie bone thin even when found early-on, evidence of many litters, scarring as though fought or used as bait, collars grown into necks, heavy chains, nails grown into pads, etc., and I would be the last person to advocate for an owner of such an animal. Ironically, The Dog is the direct opposite: a happy, well fed, loving, spayed, and collared housedog.

Western Shelter has put itself in this miserable situation. Once Western Shelter knew her owner was found, that should have immediately ended any attempt to imply or outright state that Original Owner couldn’t have her dog back. All you needed to then address was Original Owner's understanding of and ability to support The Dog's many veterinary needs, and then decide if you wanted to take a legal stance to not return The Dog to her based on that issue alone. That would have been the straightforward approach to this situation.

Instead, it seems that Western Shelter attempted to side-step this difficult and perhaps legally complex question by telling Original Owner that her dog was adopted out “by law.” I have Emails from just a few days ago that indeed revert to this exact statement: that Western Shelter's legal team have “checked and verified” that The Dog belongs contractually to Adoptive Home now, and is no longer owned by Western Shelter and therefore is not Western Shelter's property to return to Original Owner.

And now we're back to Western Shelter yet again saying that is not the case and seeming ready to pop The Dog on a plane when no vet thinks this is wise now or perhaps ever.

Perhaps this issue of what Western Shelter did or didn’t “intend” is all irrelevant at this point, but since it keeps coming up and keeps changing, and now you made the above statement, I addressed it.

3) I’m also distressed to see that The Transporter, in direct contrast to her many “happy reunions with owners” on her site, has now simply yanked The Dog entirely off her site as though The Dog never existed. I realize The Transporter is not connected officially with Western Shelter; she is allied to the extent of bringing you Katrina dogs and posting “happy notices” of all located-owners other than The Dog's, but I assume you have no say or control as to her website content.

Still, the deletion of The Dog from The Transporter's site stunned me. It alarms me, and gives me pause for thought, yes, and reflects negatively on Western Shelter due to your alliance with The Transporter. The Transporter and/or Western Shelter signed for those animals she took out of the Gulf Coast; that signature carried responsibility for ensuring that the animals were managed with concern for the HSUS and Louisiana guidelines that reunification with owners was a goal, not an unpleasant byproduct, of the rescue mission.

4) While I may have understanding of some of your perspectives, Original Owner and her son are not animal welfare people as you and I are – they are Gulf Coast pet owners, far “better” than most from all I’ve heard since Katrina. Please understand their perspective: they lost literally everything they had. You and I cannot comprehend this, and it would be ridiculous to pretend that we do. They thought for weeks that they’d also lost their dog to God knew what awful fate. That worry weighed on them for weeks, on top of their other nightmares. They struggled to get to the library, wait in line for the computers, and use their not-great skills to search for her. They Emailed me in hopes that one of my shelter's Katrina rescued Labradors was The Dog. In my correspondence attempting to help Original Owner, I posted the “lost” Petfinder listing for The Dog (without a photo, as they have none recovered from their home yet).

I found The Dog for them. They fully understand what dual-miracles are both The Dog's survival and my finding The Dog for them in the hell of Petfinder’s “lab mix” listings. Will they be content knowing that The Dog is safe, and cared for, and leave her with you? Will they agree to leave her in your care, if vet access is an issue in their current home? If not, what legal stance should you take and where will it lead? I don’t know. Please talk to Original Owner, and please ask her!!




January 10, 2006
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Director:
I haven't talked to The Owner since before the holidays; today I have a message to give her a call (no details). Would you please update me as to The Dog’s status? I would prefer to hear from you before I call The Owner back.
I Emailed Shelter Manager several days ago but know many people are still enjoying some time off.



January 10, 2006
From: Shelter Director
To: Shelley
I'm sorry but having been a 3rd party to many conversations regarding The Dog, I wish only to deal directly with The Owner from this point on. I will tell you, the deadline for The Owner to call me regarding the details of transportation and care was last Friday and The Owner didn't follow through. Thank you.




January 11, 2006
From: Shelley
To: Shelter Director
I have to say, if anyone is a 3rd party in all this, it's surely me! I've spent hours on this one situation, and am neither owner nor shelter.

The dogs my shelter IS caring for are being managed with such a very different attitude than that which Western Shelter conveys with consistency. If you have a moment, please go to the Katrina page at (my shelter's website provided). Every one of our Katrina animals is on there. Our page is not fancy or nicely done, but there they are. Almost every adult dog you see there is/was HW+ and is/was unaltered.

Every reunion on there, we have FOUGHT for. We have two of the best Stealth Volunteers who worked for every one of those reunions for hours out of their busy lives.

Every owner contacting us has been aided by another volunteer or I. The Original Owner is just one of many dog-owners who contacted us thinking we had her dog. We have foster homes, including that of the half-dead Collie we brought back, who are 100% determined to keep their foster until the located-owner is back on their feet and able to bring their own dog home. They chose this role and they are honoring it til the last.

Do you think that this process, with all the emotions, and all the legitimate concern for the future of these dogs we have invested thousands of dollars in and loving care beyond measure, is easy for my shelter and our foster homes here, and only difficult for Western Shelter and your fosters there?

If you look at sheer numbers of animals alone, you'll see that we've managed many times the Katrina rescues Western Shelter has, vetted them all fully, and yet have never wavered in our dedication to reunification.

The Original Owner was out there looking, and hoping, for The Dog to be OK and to come home. I'm sorry that again things have perhaps gone sideways between you and Original Owner. I'll call her tonight and ask what's going on. The message she left me about a week ago indicated that there was a wrinkle in the timing of her meeting The Driver in Texas. I assumed it was being worked out with civility and integrity. I hope that is the case.




January 12, 2006
From: Shelley
To: The Person Who Is Somehow Associated with the Rescue That Drove Dogs from Louisiana to Western Shelter post-Katrina

My name is Shelley . I work for the Best Ever Humane Society (website provided) and have also served BEHS as one of three volunteer coordinators for our own Katrina rescue effort, the details of which you may review on the Katrina page of our website. We have 15 reunions/owners-located to date, and more pending due to our aggressive volunteer-driven outreach to owners.

It was in my role as Katrina administration volunteer that I was contacted by Original Owner, who was seeking her female black Lab mix, named The Dog, left at home on Anonymous Street in Rosedale/East New Orleans. Original Owner hoped that one of the BEHS Katrina rescues was her dog. I was impressed by, and liked, Original Owner, and undertook her "case" as one of the ones I work on at night and on breaks from my fulltime job.

I am also responsible for creating The Dog’s "Lost" entry on Petfinder on Nov. 4. Original Owner and I actually spoke several weeks before that date, but as she was forced to evacuate New Orleans, she had no photo of The Dog when we first spoke; she and I wanted to include a photo in the listing since, as I'm sure you know, Lab mixes are among the most overwhelmingly vast listings to search on Petfinder. When it became apparent that any photos of The Dog had been lost to the flooding in Original Owner's home, I created the listing without a photo, but including Original Owner's address as location-last-seen, full narrative description, etc.

I'm also the one who advised Original Owner of finding the dog I believed to be The Dog on (website of group that drove dogs to Western Shelter's state) - from which site The Dog, alone of all the Transporter's Katrina rescues/reunited with owner listings, has now been removed.

Over the past weeks, I've exchanged numerous Emails with Western Shelter’s Shelter Director and Shelter Manager, as liaison between the shelter and the owner, with one goal: to facilitate the return of The Dog to her owners in circumstances that ensure The Dog’s current and potential health care needs can be met in Original Owner's current home in Another Western State.

For the first time in two weeks, Original Owner and I spoke tonight. Suffice it to say that things continue to be unsettled and acrimonious.

Original Owner was told by Shelter Director that you would be calling her today, although your role in this expected reunion is unclear. I provided Original Owner with two phone numbers from the Transporting Rescue’s website. I advised Original Owner to call those numbers in hope of reaching you or leaving you a message, and to do likewise with the Western Shelter main line, in an attempt to reach or message Shelter Director.

My hope was, and is, that the return of The Dog to Original Owner and her son will proceed civilly and via the practical solution of The Driver providing room for The Dog on a transport she's making to Houston next week, a point which Original Owner can reach within a day's drive.

It is now my understanding that this plan, too, has derailed, unless The Driver accepts Original Owner's offer of financial assistance to upgrade to a rental vehicle large enough to accommodate whichever dog has now displaced the space agreed upon for The Dog.

The Original Owner advised me that she has not heard back from The Driver in two days, and that she has two alternate plans but still hopes to work with The Driver due to this plan minimizing time Original Owner would otherwise need to take time off from her new job. However, if need be, Original Owner's employer has, out of sympathy for her situation, granted Original Owner sufficient time off to drive The Dog all the way back home.

For the record, please note that I am CCing all referenced parties; I would appreciate your contacting Original Owner at mutually convenient times to discuss with her the most efficient way to return The Dog to her care.
Sincerely,
Shelley


Conclusion: In mid-January 2006, The Dog was driven to her reunion with Original Owner in the previously agreed upon location. I haven't spoken with her since that time, which tells me how burned/burned out I was by this case...yet also surprises me, both that I haven't called her, nor she me, as we were always on good terms.

Tonight I tried the cel number I had for her, and got a "robot voicemail" message saying that this person's voicemail is full, yet I don't know if it is still her phone number. I'll keep trying, and keep hoping that all is well with Original Owner in her new life, with Adoptive Owner, who sacrificed much, and Western Shelter's Manager, who tried hard to do the right thing when the "right thing" was never simple, easy, or clear. Above all, I hope that The Dog, who nearly died twice - once during the storm, once during treatment for a parasite that inevitably kills its host - lives on in great happiness with the woman and boy who saved her from a miserable home seven years ago.