One of our Volunteers Describes the Mission:
We started out on our 22 hour drive to Tylertown, Mississippi with the Watermelon Mountain Ranch 40 foot trailer to rescue pets from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. It is the unknown that breeds apprehension. None of us knew what to expect. When we arrived the humidity and heat absolutely overwhelmed me along with a blanket of bugs called "Lovebugs" that clung to your every exposed area and formed a black thick blanket of movement in the air and everywhere you went. The Best Friends Sanctuary we went to was teeming with volunteers as we signed in. Within 1/2 hour of arrival we started to work. We just assumed duties with out being told as there was plenty to do. It was time to pitch our tent so we did that in the sweltering heat and was promptly told Hurricane Rita was on her way in and we should all take our tents down. Being the newest rookie volunteers to arrive we decided to test the tent. At midnite we ran into a shelter with our sleeping bags and pillow and found a place to rest our heads. The dogs and cats and all the animals were everywhere. Miles of set up cages and tarps coverings for shade. It was so hot we had to gently spray the animals with water to cool them off. The dogs seemed so grateful for a loving hand to pet them, to lick a face- to have a new donated toy and the best donated dog food I have ever seen. They were eating like Kings that was for sure. In New Orleans the Watermelon truck rescued about 50-60 pets a day and some were so sick they could not even stand. Two dogs stand out in my heart and changed who I am. One was a pit bull that they found in a house in a tub. Had not eaten for 4 weeks and could not stand due to no muscle mass left. Grown men that were there with us that were trained pet rescue K-9 cops were brought to tears looking at that dog. The dog had enough energy to smile with it's soulful eyes and wag it tail continuously. The 2nd dog was a Shitzu dropped off by a total stanger that saw it on the highway and brought it to our truck and asked it we would take care of her. He was from New Orleans, lost his entire household and still had compassion to save this dog. The dog had no fur on its body-as the chemicals had burned it off. But once again, as the tears started dropping off my cheeks as I got it water-it was barking with glee and wagging its tail and eating a little doggie bone we gave it. We are following these 2 dogs and plan to adopt them thru Watermelon mountain ranch and they are doing just great now. It was emotional, overwhelming at times, sad, joyful, enriching, life changing and I want to continue to do Pet Rescue in the future. My thanks will never be enough to the owners of Watermelon Mountain Ranch, Lee and Sophia Diclement for sending us there and supporting us as they have. God Bless all our living creatures - 2 legged and 4-legged! Katie Keaty

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