NEW YORK, June 24, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Nearly 10 months after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of Slidell, Louisiana, two dogs who survived 7 days alone in their flooded house will be reunited and returned to their owner.
The day before Hurricane Katrina hit, Slidell resident Bobbi Folley evacuated to Alabama. Thinking she would return two days later, she left her dogs and cat behind. Like most evacuees, Bobbi was not able to get back to Slidell for over a week. Her house was flooded with nearly 6 feet of water and her two dogs, "Blueberry Muffin" and "Moztu," survived by floating on top of bunk beds. They were alone for 8 days without food or fresh water.
After her son-in-law rescued the dogs from the destroyed house, Bobbi had to make the heart-wrenching decision to relinquish the animals to Noah's Wish, the non-profit organization that rescues animals in disasters. "I told them I love you and that's why I'm doing this," said Bobbi.
After two weeks at the shelter, the dogs traveled to St. Louis with Noah's Wish volunteer coordinator, Susan Haraway. They were soon placed into a new adoptive home.
Bobbi soon returned to Slidell to pick up the pieces that were left of her life, and since then has been living in a FEMA trailer on her front lawn. Earlier this year Bobbi says her pets were on her mind, and so she called Noah's Wish to follow up and offer to share stories and answer any questions for the new owners about the 8 and 9-year-old dogs. After learning that her pets had been placed in good homes, Bobbi says she then felt at peace with her decision, although admitting she was heartbroken, the dogs' photos decorating her trailer.
In late May, Bobbi received a phone call from Noah's Wish. Unexpectedly, the new adoptive owner of the two dogs was no longer in a position to care for the dogs.
When Bobbi decided to reclaim her dogs, she constructed a fence around the trailer she has been living in since the 10 months following Hurricane Katrina, and spent days removing debris from her yard. She is driving to Memphis, Tennessee to meet with Noah's Wish volunteer Susan Haraway, where the reunion will take place today, Saturday, June 24 at the Tennessee Welcome Center. Bobbi will then drive home to Slidell to the belated birthday party her daughter and two grandchildren are planning for the dogs.
ABOUT NOAH'S WISH:
The singular mission of Noah's Wish is to save the lives of animals in disasters -- by rescuing, sheltering and caring for animals during disasters and by preparing individuals, organizations and communities through education and training. Terri Crisp, the nation's leading expert in animal disaster preparedness, founded the organization in 2002; she has more than 20 years experience in disaster relief work. Noah's Wish has field staff around the country including 35 regional volunteer coordinators and over 1,000 volunteers trained to mobilize and respond to disasters. Noah's Wish is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. 5047 Robert J. Matthews Parkway, Suite 200, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. noahswish.org