Katrina refugees: 10 years later

by George Castle | Jan 27, 2016

In Fall 2005, after seeing heart-wrenching images of terrified animals and desperate families trying to survive in the aftermath of one of the worst hurricanes and floods in U.S. history, a five-vehicle convoy of PAWS volunteers and staff left for the Gulf Coast. They returned 31 hours later with 70 animals, helping clear crowded shelters to make room for more and more incoming pets. The dogs and cats arrived in Chicago, exhausted but safe, and in desperate need of new homes.

Word about the Katrina animals spread across Chicago, and when the pets were fully vetted and available for adoption a few days later, more than 500 people turned out to adopt. In the first day of adoptions, more than 55 animals impacted by the storm found their new families. PAWS made return trips in the following weeks and months, helping save more than 200 animals and uniting them with the most wonderful adoptive families.

As the years have gone by, some of the Katrina animals have passed away. Others remain healthy and happy. Many still show small but lingering signs of their trauma: an aversion to water, a fear of thunderstorms or loud noises. But overriding these memories is their basic resilience, promoted by the lasting love of their adoptive families and returned with compounded interest.