Dog Rescuer Shares 'Tails' Of Hurricane Katrina Efforts

Children heard an endearing "tail" Friday of a special relationship between a cat and dog in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, learned how animal rescuers helped thousands of animals survive after the hurricane and got tips on what they can do to help keep their furry, four-legged friends safe in the wake of a disaster.

The program was part of "The Kids Read, Too!" program,  a cooperative project of 10 local libraries through which kids are reading A Place Where Hurricanes Happen, the story of four children and their lives after Hurricane Katrina.

The program was led by Judy Clark of Triple R Pets, a  nonprofit animal welfare organization formed in 2005 during the months after Hurrican Katrina. The nonprofit is dedicated to enhancing the lives of animals and their owners through sustained disaster relief services and ongoing programs.

Clark opened the program by reading Two Bobbies, the true story of a blind cat and dog that survived the months after Katrina by taking care of each other. The pair were eventually rescued and adopted together. Following the story, Clark shared pictures and stories from the time she spent in Biloxi, MS, where she personally helped rescue and transport more then 500 pets.

Jenna Cox, 6, was part of the captive audience.

"My favorite part was learning that you should always have your pet prepared for any difficult situation that may happen," Cox said.

Clark ended the evening by teaching the kids what they can do to help their pets if a natural disaster were to ever strike here, with the most important thing being to prepare a pet evacuation kit.

To prepare the kit, place the following items in the crate that will be used to transport the pet when leaving:

• Collar—with ID tags—and leash
• Immunization records
• Five-day supply of food and water (including bowls)
• Any medicines the pet takes
• Toy and blanket with pet's scent on it
• Small trash bags for cleaning up messes
• Photos of the pet taped to the crate in a zip-loc style bag
• List of area shelters and pet-friendly hotels

"Our goal with these programs is to offer the families and children of our communities an opportunity to share a joint experience of the connection books can have across generations, and the opportunities to discuss the events that touch us," reported Monica A. Dzierzbicki, Head of Youth Services at Indian Prairie. "Families who read together help to build their child's vocabulary, listening and reading skills. Not to mention, the fun of spending time together."