Adopt a Hound

It's been almost 10 years since the water rose up in Waveland, MS. Over 3,500 days since the hurricane cracked the skies open and drove the sea right into town. If you have to ask which hurricane, well, then you probably aren't from around here. Katrina made landfall at Waveland, MS, a small town of 7,000 just an hour east of New Orleans, on August 29, 2005, and you'd be hard-pressed to find any of God's good creatures in Waveland that don't remember. Destin and Sparky remember.

Chaos is too simple of a word to convey what that time was like, but it's the closest thing we've got. Fortunately, there were a few clear minds that day, including Doll Stanley and In Defense of Animals. The organization recognized the doom bearing down on animals in the region, petitioning courts to release captured animals in the pound. Destin was one such animal, languishing in the pound as the storm bore down on the Gulf Coast. At the 11th hour, a judge granted the request, forcing animal control to release the animals to safety. When they reached Destin, the water was already up to her neck. Destin and 34 other animals were rescued that night, but, sadly, thousands more souls lost their lives all along the coast. Destin and Sparky, who was discovered after the storm, were some of the lucky ones.

A number of animal rescue facilities went to work in the aftermath of Katrina, and ARF was one of the organizations born from the rubble. The 35 dogs from Waveland made the trip north to Jackson, and a few more groups soon followed. Destin and Sparky were placed together in their new home, and quickly became inseparable, sharing a bond that few of us can scarcely imagine. Yet over 3,500 days after the storm arrived, these two remain with ARF. Every one of the other 35 dogs has moved on, either adopted to a wonderful home or crossing the rainbow bridge. We've twice attempted to adopt Sparky individually, but both dogs immediately grew depressed and stopped eating. Their bond is unique and irreplaceable, and so even though we know how challenging it is to adopt two older dogs, we know that they need to be together. They are sweet and spunky, despite their advanced age. But the wisdom in their eyes is surely enough reward for providing a forever home.

Katrina had an impact that still reverberates throughout the region. As we think of it, we still mourn for those that have been lost. Yet we also recognize the events that catalyzed the creation of ARF, and are reminded of our mission. If you can't adopt Destin and Sparky today, then please continue joining us in this mission. Stop by sometime to walk these wonderful dogs. The lifeblood of this organization is our supporters, and we're grateful every day that you've helped us make it this far.