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Over Looked Victims

Hurricane Katrina claimed many victims. Alongside many unfortunate residents of New Orleans, animals also suffered. Dogs, cats, and other pets spent time tied to trees or porches while the rising waters raged. Many a pet succumbed to the waters unquestionable force. Thanks to the help of hundreds of volunteers, many animals were spared. My sister, Kari, was one of the volunteers that took time off from work and journeyed to the swamp that swallowed the once great city of New Orleans. Thanks to my sister, my family was able to welcome a new and spirited member. Max, our new dog, made the trip to Florida after spending a week tied to the front door of an abandoned house. He spent that week without food or water and without any human companion ship. Although the harrowing week of survival seemed to have dampened his spirit, Max overcame his hardships and greets the world with a confidence that is shocking to find in such a small dog.
Weighing only ten pounds, Max is not much bigger than an average house cat. His coat is all white except for his back feet which he loves to chew on every chance he gets. When he first arrived in Florida, he was sent to the Broward County Humane Society, where he was "lost" after being processed. My family spent a week sifting through personnel at the humane society before we found him. After Max made his trip from Fort Lauderdale in the passenger seat of my car, he was finally introduced into his new home. He was cautious and insecure at first. He would slowly walk around our apartment with his tail between his legs as if he were moping. With his head low, he sniffed around his new surroundings and picked out his favorite spots. My closet immediately became one of his favorite spots. We had bought him some toys to try and perk him up, and I soon found them hidden under my clothes. Our apartment borders a canal with a nice grassy area between which he could play, but he was reluctant to go outside unless nature called. Max was just...