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Katrina Adoption Story

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Starvin' Marvin Heads North

Hurricane Katrina had huge impacts on the South East in 2005. One of the difficulties faced was dealing with all of the animals in the disaster area. These animals needed help, but to whisk them away would separate them from their families. B.A.R.K., based in Ottawa, Canada, had an idea to help that would avoid this.

Groups of Canadian volunteers headed to Louisiana (with prior permission and a firm understanding of the rules) with the intent of rescuing dogs already in pounds so that space could be made available for other animals that had been separated from their family during the flooding. This allowed already homeless animals to be saved, while helping those that could hopefully be reunited with their families. This initiative is what brought Starvin' Marvin to the Great White North!

Yay! Today we had a great walk in the woods with a fresh dusting of snow. The boys were happy.

The Story

The volunteers from B.A.R.K. drove down in multiple mini-vans. This alone was probably close to 20 hours driving (one way). Once they got there, they had to go to individual dog pounds and work with the local authorities to identify dogs that were abandoned prior to the disaster. Then, in order to bring them back to Canada, they had to get all of their required vaccinations and also be tested for heartworm.

They identified 30+ dogs to look at.... unfortunately, about 1/2 of these dogs ended up testing positive for heartworm so they could not be brought back. Starvin' Marvin was not in this group of 30. On the way back home, not far from the area, they stopped at a rest-stop about 50km in either direction away from anything. This is where they saw Starvin' Marvin. He would not even come near humans, and was clearly on the brink of expiry, living off whatever scraps he could find. They managed to get a hold of him finally and get him into one of the vans.

Next, Marvin needed to go through the same rigorous testing for heartworm and to get all of his shots. HE PASSED!!

The Trip Up North

Marvin When he first came homeWell... it turns out that Marvin liked barking... he was pretty nervous. Apparently all the way back to Ottawa he barked non-stop (sorry Gloria!). These volunteers are real saints - the things they put up with, and the sacrifices they made. So to keep it short, Starvin' Marvin got to Ottawa and was placed with a foster family temporarily until he could be given to a good home. A multi-page article in the Ottawa Citizen (the local paper) highlighted all of the dogs, and asked for people to adopt them,

We already had a dog, two cats and two rats - but figured "what the heck - what is one more?....." Little did we know that it would be us being interviewed for suitability rather than the other way around. It turns out that BARK is very careful with how its dogs are placed (and this makes sense). Starvin' Marvin would soon have a new home. (look how nervous he looked)

The First Steps

the introduction...

Getting AcquaintedSo now that the decision was made, the next thing we needed to do was to introduce Starvin' Marvin to our other dog Chester. Chester is an attention-hog, and we were unsure how he'd react to a new player in the game. We decided that the best approach would be to meet on neutral territory, so I dropped Marvin and the rest of the family at the local football field (a short walk), and then went home to get Chester. When I arrived with Chester, the two boys had a great play, wrestling and running. We let them play until a serious amount of energy had been expended. When it was time to go, we hooked a leash onto each dog, and began to walk. The expression on Chester's face was a little puzzled. When we got home, we opened the door and they both went in. Chester now had a bit more shock on his face, but he did not protest - they were too tired. The other meeting here was of course with our cats. Marvin was fine with both of them. Lilly, the queen of the roost, made sure to establish her dominance over Marvin right away by cleaning his ears.

Taking Care of Necessities

After a short period, Marvin had to be re-tested for Heartworm as part of the process. Well unfortunately he tested positive this time, meaning that he'd have to undergo a barrage of spinal injections to get rid of this. As part of the adoption process B.A.R.K. covered these costs as well as the other required snips, all included in the adoption fee. Since this time, Marvin now has a clean bill of health. Oh yeah --- we dropped the Starvin' from his name. He is still extremely food motivated (a total glutton, he'll eat anything)

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Acclimatizing to Canada ... eh!

Winter BuddiesMarvin came to us in the fall. He right away knew that we were family, and we could go out to the local dog park off-leash. He'd always stick together with Chester and come when he was called. As it began to get colder we wondered how he would take to snow. He had a patch on his shoulder that was bald (about 2cm x 2 cm), and huge scars on his front right paw - almost like he'd been in an animal trap at some point. He does not let any of this hold him back, and will wrestle no-holds-barred with Chester who is about twice his size.

We decided to get Marvin a winter coat to help with the transition. He also looked so damned good in it, so of course Chester had to get one too. They like their coats - not sure it they need them, but it makes them look like a team.

Brothers

Brothers

Marvin is doing wonderfully, and he and Chester now act like Brothers. Lilly (the cat) is still the boss. We watch Marvin's portions (he would probably eat himself to death if he was allowed), and if he is ever allowed, he will try to sneak into a human bed (under covers) at night.

Thank you B.A.R.K., and especially Sharon who without her tireless work, BARK would not exist.

b.t.w. The batch of dogs that had originally tested positive for heartworm were saved too. B.A.R.K. raised money for their treatment when they got back with the first batch. They sent the money down to get these dogs treated and then made a second trip to bring back these guys!

Dog Adoption is a Great Cause

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(a portion of any proceeds from this lens go to the Animal Rescue Charity PetZone)
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Do you know

Do you know that in addition to the deaths in Louisiana

Did you know that

Do you think that

Did you know that

Experts are calling it the largest animal rescue operation in history.

The storm surge caused major or catastrophic damage along the coastlines of Louisiana

Katrina was

Did you know that

Hurricane Katrina

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Guestbook Comments

  • KellydeBorda Apr 12, 2012 @ 8:05 am | delete
    Marvin and Chester look like buds forever! Wonderful story.
  • KateHon Apr 11, 2012 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    I am so impressed with your dedication to the people of New Orleans and to that city's unwanted dogs! Super information in the lens! Loved it!! Glad to hear Marvin has blended in so seamlessly with your family and your other pets! Harmony, the tabby, send her greetings to you all and wants you to tell Lilly to keep up the good work with all the humans and animals in her house. It's a big job, but Harmie know that Lilly is up to the task!
  • Zut_Moon Mar 29, 2012 @ 9:02 am | delete
    Well Done. Blessed.
  • kathysart Feb 24, 2012 @ 8:49 pm | delete
    Thanks for visiting my doggie lens.. I've been here before but came back and took your polls. I don't know how I missed those before. Such a great lens!
  • Frankster Feb 20, 2012 @ 2:26 pm | delete
    Excellent lens. I only have cats but love dogs. All of my cats are rescues of some sort. I also have a non-profit called FIV Cat Rescue. So right now I have 17 cats in my home, 11 are FIV+ and the rest are not. They intermingle and you can't tell one from the other. They are just cats! Thank goodness for folks like B.A.R.K. and others. Marvin is one cool looking dog. Blessed. Bear hugs, Frankster
  • gottaloveit Feb 19, 2012 @ 6:05 pm | delete
    i have 6 dogs - 5 of them rescues (the other 1 came to me with my boyfriend...). I am a huge fan of adoption and fostered 19 dogs (I only kept two)....I love your dogs! Blessed!
  • naheedahsan Feb 19, 2012 @ 8:39 am | delete
    Great lens, thanks
  • fionamckay9 Feb 18, 2012 @ 3:04 pm | delete
    Rescued animals make the best pets - I will never buy another cat or dog while there are still animals out there looking for a home.
  • RCGraphicsDesign Feb 17, 2012 @ 1:04 pm | delete
    Great lens with loads of good information. You will be blessed.
  • bikerministry Feb 12, 2012 @ 3:26 pm | delete
    Nice! We worked Katrina relief! Blessings.
  • webkangaroo Feb 9, 2012 @ 10:00 am | delete
    really sweet lans -- great to read this. Save the dogs!
  • karmicchristian Feb 8, 2012 @ 8:21 am | delete
    This is a real 'moving' story indeed and that was quite a 'move'!
  • AlphaChic Feb 6, 2012 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    This is a great story. I find it very touching. I can't imagine what it would be like to be separated from my dogs. My heart goes out to all the families who were separated from their dogs. I'm glad Marvin found a good home. Thanks for sharing this.
  • suzy-t Feb 5, 2012 @ 12:34 pm | delete
    What a wonderful story. I'm also a pet lover and it makes me feel good knowing animals have friends like you.
  • d-artist Feb 4, 2012 @ 5:52 pm | delete
    What a sweet story and dogs...so glad Marvin got a fur-ever home..B.A.R.K. sounds like a great organization.
  • davespeed Feb 4, 2012 @ 4:28 pm | delete
    I'm happy that Marvin is no longer starvin'. It was kind of you to take him in. Great story. All the best.
  • kathysart Feb 4, 2012 @ 9:49 am | delete
    My little Maxwell looks a lot like your dog. She is a rescue dog too. Angel blessed lens.
  • DeannaDiaz Feb 3, 2012 @ 10:37 am | delete
    Yes, my dog does look like yours! Except, mine is sort of a brute, weighing in at 114 pounds! Poor thing, she tries to be a dainty lap dog, but fails miserably! Thanks for visiting me!
  • VickiSims Jan 28, 2012 @ 10:17 am | delete
    A great story. I'm so glad Starvin Marvin found such a great home.
  • LoKackl Jan 11, 2012 @ 6:22 pm | delete
    Great American adoption stories. great pictures. thanks!
  • srioschavez Jan 8, 2012 @ 7:11 pm | delete
    great story thanks for this lens
  • Jolene_Belmain Dec 20, 2011 @ 11:35 pm | delete
    Such a fabulous story... I love adopting animals... our last one was a 16 year old cat (80 cat years) and she is still with us... she is almost 18 now.
  • cmadden Dec 14, 2011 @ 5:53 am | delete
    Just the sort of story I like to read - and I especially appreciated the note about the ones who tested positive getting treated and rescued.
  • Joan4 Nov 29, 2011 @ 11:35 am | delete
    Oh I think Marvin found the perfect home indeed!
  • OhMe Nov 29, 2011 @ 8:37 am | delete
    I really enjoyed reading about Marvin. Thank you.
  • aquarian_insight Nov 28, 2011 @ 3:19 am | delete
    I absolutely love this lens. I am a dog lover and when I first saw this lens, I was worried it would make me cry, but it's a lovely happy story. What an amazing thing to do and I love the pic of Marvin and Chester. Fabulous lens.
  • ajgodinho Nov 19, 2011 @ 11:35 pm | delete
    So wonderful to hear about Marvin's story of survival through BARK and what a beautiful home that he found. Great to see that all your other pets go along well too. Thanks for sharing this heartwarming story. **Blessed by a Squid-Angel**
  • WriterJanis Nov 18, 2011 @ 3:19 am | delete
    Very sweet lens.
  • skiesgreen Nov 17, 2011 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    Great story. Dogs are members of families world wide and the feeling animal lovers have for them is just part of our nature. Nice lens and very well written. Hugs
  • favored1 Nov 14, 2011 @ 7:51 am | delete
    What a great ending for Marvin. Thanks for caring like Jesus.
  • CruiseReady Nov 11, 2011 @ 3:18 pm | delete
    Wow - what an amazing story - especially the last part about how the group didn't give up until securing the second batch of dogs. Kudos!
  • sousababy Nov 10, 2011 @ 6:39 pm | delete
    What a heart-warming read . . LOVE the photo of Marvin and Chester, ohh those eyes. Thank you for such an act of humanity, just wonderful.
  • cffutah Nov 7, 2011 @ 10:06 pm | delete
    we've adopted just one dog, got her from the shelter just before this past Christmas. enjoyed reading your lens tonight, earned a 'thumbs up' from this guy.
  • Tipi Nov 5, 2011 @ 11:29 pm | delete
    Wouldn't we all love to be so welcomed and accepted that someone we just met actually cleaned our ears for us?!!! It sounds to me like a long lost family member found his way home through your hearts, sweet!
  • MrsPotts Nov 4, 2011 @ 8:37 pm | delete
    Wonderful story! We also have a rescue dog who is very affectionate and highly food motivated. :-)
  • KimGiancaterino Nov 2, 2011 @ 12:41 pm | delete
    I found a lost, disoriented dog after the 1994 earthquake in Los Angeles. After walking him around the neighborhood all day with no luck finding his owners, I took him to our local shelter. I hated doing it, but people with lost pets were steered there by the media. He was eventually claimed, or I would have gone back to get him myself.
  • goo2eyes Nov 2, 2011 @ 8:45 am | delete
    it's difficult for the dogs to adapt from warm louisiana climate to freezing cold canadian climate. hope the dogs understand english and french too.
  • BeyondRoses Nov 1, 2011 @ 10:28 am | delete
    So much focus was on the rescue of the humans, it was heartbreaking to see animals abandoned in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Was thankful to hear word of any animal rescue groups going in to help save them. Marvin's rescue is a wonderful story, and how wonderful for him, to be one of the lucky ones, and to have a loving home with you. Love Marvin, and Chester in their matching coats!
  • jasmineann Oct 31, 2011 @ 9:51 am | delete
    Love this story of adopting Marvin:) What a wonderful happy ending for him to be with you. I love the photos of your two dogs , they look so happy and contented.
    BARK sound a great rescue organisation.
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