This Thanksgiving, I had the good fortune to visit my husband’s family in New Orleans, a place that I will always hold dearly in my heart. In the years since my husband and I evacuated after Katrina, I have only been able to return a few times, but each time I did, I saw the city growing stronger and stronger and this visit made my heart soar. There is still so much to do, still places in the city that are still struggling, but there’s no question that New Orleans is back.
But in seeing the recovery years after Katrina, how could I not think about the challenges that remain for so many after Sandy’s devastation? I thought too about how quickly we lose awareness of the continuing struggles of people after the ravages of a storm when the media shifts its lens to another story.
As many of you may have read, I lost my beloved Olive at the beginning of this year. When she was just a few months old, we rescued each other from a shelter in Brooklyn, NY, and this year, I know that shelter, and so many near it, are facing possibly their hardest season ever in the wake of Sandy. There are many, many efforts going on and I know that you all, dear friends, are well aware of them–but I wanted to take a moment and share with you a list you may not have seen yet sent to me by my dear friend and writer Jackie Cangro, who gives so generously of her time and her heart to animals in need in the areas that were affected by Sandy.
I know Olive would send out this post if she were here. She knew how to give joy better than anyone I’ve ever known.
Miss you, Boo Bear.
NY/NJ Area Relief Efforts:
Woodbridge Animal Shelter took in about 4 feet of water on the first floor where the dogs were housed. Luckily they were able to get them all to safety, but they need to rebuild.
http://woodbridge.patch.com/blog_posts/woodbridge-animal-shelter-desperate-for-supply-donations-abffe3a6
https://www.facebook.com/WoodbridgeAnimalShelterAndPetAdoptionCenter
Chip in Donation page: https://www.facebook.com/WoodbridgeAnimalShelterAndPetAdoptionCenter/app_163344180379236
O.S.C.A.R in Sparta, NJ is a foster network that is busy transporting animals from shelters and placing them in their foster network until the other shelters are up and running again.
http://www.oscaranimalrescue.org/
Humane Society of Atlantic City (Atlantic County) suffered from flooding in their clinic and shelter areas.
http://hsacpet.com/
The animal rescue shelter was not flooded, but they have been taking in a large number of abandoned / lost pets since the storm.
https://www.facebook.com/SeanCaseyAnimalRescue
Sean Casey has a wish list on Amazon where you can even purchase desperately needed supplies have have them shipped directly to the shelter.
http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/2GW0AT7AZJ7VQ/ref=sr_1_1_acs_wl_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342290876&sr=8-1-acs
Oh, Erika… This brought tears to my eyes. What a great post and great reminder of the impact of such devastating events. Yes, so sad that when the media turns the lens, so many seem to “forget”… Checking out the links now; wish I could support them ALL!
Melissa, don’t you, though! Me too. I continue to be in such awe of how many people give of themselves in times of need and crisis. It makes me cry to think about it. Tears of gratitude. You are such a champion of animals and nature’s beauty.
Hi Erika,
Thanks for the post! I too was blown away by the damage from Sandy. Even the south-facing coast of RI took a significant hit. The Cape dodged that bullet with only minor damage. But I recall visiting St. Bernard’s Parish six months after Katrina. The country had all but forgotten about the storm at that point. I thought that with six months time, surely they had rebuilt. When I crossed the bridge into Parish, I literally burst into tears. There were still houses in the streets just where the flood waters had left them. Traffic lights dangled by their wires still dark after 6 months. I took shots of the Fema trailers and of the debris that had not been touched since the storm. It was heartbreaking-as you well know. So as rough as Sandy was, my heart still goes out to the Orleanians who are still rebuilding their lives afte Katrina. I attached a couple of shots fro that visit.
Love the shot of Miss Olive. She was such a sweetie!!! Humphrey turned 18 last Sunday. I’m convinced that she is driven by a ‘last dog standing’ obstinence that is inherrent in Jack Russells. The day I keel over, she’ll come over, sniff my body and say “I won! I can go now.” 😉 Pictures of the birthday girl on FB!
Glad you had a great Thanksgiving with Ian’s fam! Cajun turkey??? Ours was pretty low-key with Laurie, her sister, a friend with her mom, and three dogs! All female except yours truly!!! I was basking in the wonderful positive energy, by gawd!!!
When is the book coming out with the Wellfleet refs? I can’t wait! You guys are still welcome to come visit anytime! Would love to have you meet Laurie!
Best,
Roe
Roe Osborn Photography
440 Pleasant Lake Avenue
Harwich, MA 02645
Home/Office 774 237 0051
Mobile: 203 232 9575
roe@roeosbornphoto.com
http://www.roeosbornphoto.com
_____
Skidly! I didn’t know you’d gone to NOLA so soon after the storm. What an incredible story–thank you for sharing that, my friend. For some reason the pics didn’t attach–can I trouble you to try to send them again?
Sweet Humphrey is 18?? She doesn’t look a day over 12, that one. What a heart and what a spirit. Give her some extra love from me, and you know we can’t wait to meet your lovely Laurie. The Cape book is set to release June 4th, by gawd! Hope I do your proud home justice!
Hugs to you and so glad you had such a great Thanksgiving. Any chance we’ll be hearing some new music from you in the new year???
Like Melissa, I wish I could support all these shelters and so much more… there is so much need as a result of Sandy and that just grazes the surface. It’s wonderful that you are highlighting the needs and singing the praises of these incredible organizations (and people). Where would be do without our four-footed friends? As one of the commenters (on my Abby post) said: “they are such sweet things.” I love that. Hugs to you in memory of Olive, dear friend.
And hugs right back to you, my dear. Where would be, indeed? I loved your post and Abby’s stare (and chair! Lucky pup, that looks so cozy!) Our pups always seem to know where we’re at–even when we don’t 😉
Oh, Erika! Thank you so much for highlighting the needs of our furry friends. These organizations, often operating on shoestring budgets in the best of times, need ongoing support. I brought bags and cans of pet food to a recent Best Friends event and it was so heartwarming to see the result of donations from people like you all across the country.
I just received a message for Best Friends volunteers about the ongoing relief efforts in places like Staten Island. One woman was caring for her neighbors’ cats and had run out of food for 3 days. She was trying to feed them people food, but they wouldn’t eat it. (What’s up with that, cats? Reggie will show you a thing or two about good eats.)
As you know I believe that Reggie and Olive were kindred spirits following in each other’s paw-steps. He carries on in her name the great tradition of Brooklyn shelter dogs with joy and grace.
Here is a link to more information about the relief efforts:
http://www.bestfriends.org/News-And-Features/News/Delivering-donations-to-Hurricane-Sandy-victims/
Be well, my friend.
Jackie, I believe the very same. There’s no question in my mind that Olive and Reggie’s paths crossed along their journeys. I am always looking forward to the day OUR paths will cross, my friend.
Thank you for all you do.
Hugs.
Thanks so much to you for sharing this and to Jackie for putting the list together. It’s so true that we often forget how storms affect not only people, but our dearest animal friends. Checking out the links now…and sending hugs to you for sweet Olive!
Hi, Natalia! Thank you for reading and sharing–I know you too are a fellow puppy mom. I hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving–I know there’s much to celebrate in your house!!:) (Did you announce a release date yet???)
Jackie is such a role model, isn’t she? She’s amazing.
Beautiful post, Erika, thank you for the reminder.
Belly rubs and doggie treats to Olive, wherever her spirit resides.
Isn’t Jackie such an inspiration, Cynthia? She is an absolute marvel.
I’ve missed checking in with you, my friend. How are you feeling? All healed? Any big holiday travel/plans ahead?
Thank you for this link, Erika! This is the time of year I donate to a few shelters in the names of my mother and my children. Perfect timing, this.
Love to you, and of course to Olive….
I love that you do that, Teri. Our fur babies are never forgotten.
Hugs to both of yours, and to you as always.
So sorry for the loss of Olive, Erika. It is amazing how creatures can put such a stamp on our hearts. Thank you for the reminder of reaching out to those in need, even when the “need” is no longer making front page news. Wishing your family a wonderful New Year!
Hello, sweet lady! Thank you so much–did I remember correctly that you have a pup coming into your lives (and hearts!) very soon?
I wish you all a beautiful 2013–and what an exciting year it will be for you and your family and the release of THE OUTCAST! I am so thrilled for you, my dear–and I can’t wait to read your novel and join your legion of fans!:)