News
Animal Rescue New Orleans – giving more than puppies for the holidays
February 18, 2009, 7:32AM MT
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Rescue “angels” still at work on the streets of New Orleans
Rescue “angels” still at work on the streets of New Orleans
By Lise McComiskey and Charlotte Bass Lilly
ARNO’s work on the street is aided by more than our stalwart volunteers' efforts. There are many residents, some very young, that we teach and put to work as our ‘eyes’ to watch movement of ‘nobody’s dogs’ when we cannot be there. These kids, and adults, learn what it takes to maintain a pet and at minimum how to be kind to an animal. They learn that ARNO can help them, too, whether with spay/neuter for their pets, or supplying pet food to an elderly person who barely exists on his social security check, or the young rock-throwing kids who are turned into kids who care.
This Christmas one of our volunteers who works on the street prepared little gift bags filled with candy, simple toys, and just items to garner a smile from a child or adult that helped pave our way into neighborhoods that are barely safe for residents, and hardly safe for outsiders. One of the smaller children, Tyler, who does not talk but somehow is understood by his grandmother, was not around when his gift bag was delivered to his house. The gift card said ‘from Santa to Tyler.’
When Tyler’s grandmother spotted the ARNO volunteer later in the day on her ‘supper’ feeding route she called to her and also called out the non-verbal Tyler. “Tyler didn’t understand why you would have a gift for him from Santa. I told Tyler that you were probably one of Santa’s elves. Tyler insisted that is not what you are, and I thought you should see who you remind Tyler of… Go ‘head, Tyler, take the lady in to see who you think she is.” Tyler then grabbed the volunteer’s hand, led her up to Apt. #4, and directly inside the door was a Christmas tree all decorated like any you see in anyone’s home. Tyler then slowly raised his arm and pointed a finger aimed at the top of the tree. Tyler was sure. The ARNO volunteer was no less than an angel. Needless to say this was one of the best Christmas gifts we could ever get.
What you can do:
Click here for more information on Animal Rescue New Orleans or if you are interested in volunteering or making a donation. Your help will allow ARNO to continue to be “angels” to the people and the homeless animals on the street. They need ARNO’s help to recover more than needing buildings rebuilt . . . they need help for their hearts to heal. Click here to make a donation through PayPal.
Story posted by Barbara J. Koll, Best Friends Network Volunteer with permission of Charlotte Bass Lilly, Director, ARNO
Photo of Baby Bach and Beethoven was taken by Lise McComiskey with a zoom lens when they were still ‘nobody’s dogs.’ In late November ARNO tore up the church floor to bring them to safety. The church was demolished the following week.