The Terrible Toll

The Humane Society (www.hsus.org) is doing its best to rescue animals abandoned in the hurricanes. However, the task is onerous and chaotic. A group called Noah's Wish (www.noahswish.org), encamped in Slidell, Louisiana and recently received a big boost from NBC's "Today" show. Also, volunteers from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine have been heroic -- www.vetmed.lsu.edu/

Among New Orleans' many colorful raps was its distinction as a canine-friendly city where the animals were part of the Big Easy culture. One of Dog Lady's favorite publications, Urban Dog Magazine (www.urbandogmagazine.com), was born in New Orleans. The stylish quarterly -- founded, published and edited by Lisa Robinson -- celebrated and chronicled the high-spirited joys of canine companionship. Robinson and her beloved Basil evacuated but have since returned to New Orleans to survey the damage.

In her most recent communication, Robinson promised a new edition of "Urban Dog" for fall. Dog Lady can only hold her breath and hope it happens. A new edition of Urban Dog would provide the spark of reassurance that life, as we remember its pleasures, has a chance of going on.

Posted by Dog Lady at September 5, 2005 03:07 PM