Lost Katrina Pets

Please forward this Youtube link to as many people as possible and ask them to please do the same. Included in this video are photographs of Lost Katrina Pets. Many of them were clearly rescued in the aftermath of Katrina but have vanished or ultimately were lost in the system. They could be anywhere on the continent. It's possible that some might even be sitting in a shelter waiting to be adopted. Others might be living next door. Perhaps you know a co-worker who adopted a Katrina rescue, a friend of a friend, a neighbor, a teacher, a volunteer, etc. Their families are heartbroken and continue to search for them daily, never wavering hope. Clearly these pets are cherished family members, greatly loved, and dearly missed. Visit the Lost Katrina Pets website for more information after viewing this video.

Lil' Bit goes home, at last

Another New Orleans Katrina pet has been given back to his owner after over a year being held by a recalcitrant "foster". Lil' Bit's story was also featured in the same Bark Magazine article mentioned below that Bandit and Malvin appear in.

Lil Bit's owners and their toddler son endured a hellish post-Katrina evacuation, were forced by a bus driver whose heart must have been made of stone to make a "Sophie's Choice" decision, i.e. choose one: their little son or their little dog, and then had to waste over a year of their life trying to get their dog back from some rotten people in Illinois. Judging by the crap the adopter dished out, maybe she is related to the bus driver.

Fortunately, reason prevailed. The local Illinois sheriff was willing to move in and seize Lil' Bit and return him to his rightful owner. See some photos and read the full story at Anita Wollison's blog.

Treading Water

The current edition (November/December 2005) of Bark magazine features an article called "Treading Water", which takes a look at some Katrina survivors (including Bandit and Malvin)and their animals, one year after the flood. It also discusses the status of animals in Louisiana prior to Louisiana, problems, as well as some misconceptions and stereotypes regarding all pet owners from this area. The writing by Julia Lane and photography by Carol Guzi are beautifully done.

In the story's section section about Bandit and Malvin, there are a couple of errors that bear clarifying here. Bandit's lawsuit was not filed in June, it was filed in April, and discussions with the lawyer for the other party, had been happening (sporadically) since then and prior to then. June was the month that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article broke, making public that Bandit was sorely wanted back by his owner and that no progress had been made in efforts to have him returned.

The article says that Bandit's owner waded from his home in the Ninth Ward to the SuperDome! That would have been a herculean feat even for a more youthful individual, given how high the water was and the distance between the two points. Details regarding Mr. Cavalier's evacuation circumstances can be read in the earlier entries of this blog.

Hats off to Bark for an interesting look at Katrina's impact on Gulf pet owners and their animals.

Favourite quote: "I'm involved with animal-response teams, and [when] I talk about my experience down there, they are so judgmental. They have the notion that every pet in New Orleans was chained on a porch and the owners went away and said, 'Die!' That's exactly what they think." (Cindi Nicotera)

Six things not to say to a Katrina survivor

Mindy sent this along. It deserves wide exposure.

Monday, August 28, 2006
attributed to Rev. David Crosby

Not too long ago, a well-intentioned fellow from somewhere else began to tell me what he thought we should do to return our city to "normal." I stopped listening immediately.

Processing the encounter later, I realized that I have reached my limit on helpful suggestions from well-meaning advisers. Outsiders may not realize how familiar residents of New Orleans are with our own failures -- before and since the storm. This list is crafted to help family members and friends avoid blunders that can kill a conversation or incite civil unrest. I've heard all of these questions and comments in one form or another over the last few months.

1. "Hey, why don't you guys clean up this mess?"
We're working as hard as we can. The implication that we have not been working is an insult and does not recognize the amazing expenditure of energy and time and resources in the flood zone this past year. I calculate that if every barge and train and sea-going vessel that visits the Port of New Orleans were to haul nothing but debris, it would take 18 months to clean up the destruction of our city. And that's if the debris were all neatly packaged and ready for containers. Just the ruined mattresses, lined up, would stretch from here to Chicago.

We've made a lot of progress in the first year. We fight the discouragement of knowing that we have just begun. This is going to take years.

2. "When my neighbor's roof sprung a leak, we all pitched in and fixed it."
No situation you have experienced in your past is anything close to the scale of this destruction. No neighbors are left to pitch in. Everyone's hammers and kitchens and garages and vehicles are gone. In fact, the neighborhood itself is gone, along with all its landmarks and stores.

3. "If you think this is bad, you should have seen Blanktown after the tornado."
You may believe that it will comfort us to know that you have seen worse. We just don't believe it. Multiply your tornado damage by 10,000 and you might get close to what happened to us. Every day I struggle again to fully comprehend the breadth and depth of this tragedy. It's the hardest thing I do -- experiencing the devastation visually and relationally every day.

4. "It's been a year. You need to get over it."
The problem is -- it's not over. Just yesterday my good friend announced his departure to Texas. An elderly couple decided they were too old to be part of this task and will move to Mississippi.

My insurance bill just arrived, and it's 80 percent more than last year. The countertops won't be here until October.

My child's friend lost her dad to suicide. Thieves stole my air conditioning unit. The parish clerk cannot find my marriage license.

No lawyer is left to render defense in a court system that's almost shut down. And 80 percent of the psychiatrists have departed permanently -- just when we needed them the most.

We are living in a continuing urban disaster of unprecedented proportions. It's living in emergency mode as a way of life. It's 12 hours of commuting and working, two hours of repairing bathrooms and kitchens, and six hours of "rest" in a FEMA trailer with the wife and kids.

I can't get over it, and I won't. What I have to do is somehow stay healthy spiritually as I integrate this into my heart and soul. So I am mustering all my faith and love and hope trying to stay positive in my upside-down world.

5. "God's not through. He's gonna wipe y'all out next time."
The Book of Job records that Job's friends came to see him after the disaster. They sat in silence for seven days and did not say one word. (That would be a good start for the person who made this remark.)

Then Job's friends made a mistake -- they spoke. Everybody would have been a lot happier if they had just sat in silence for seven more days -- or years.

Maybe God aimed Katrina at New Orleans. Maybe the Devil did it. Maybe it was highs and lows and prevailing winds and water temperatures in the Gulf. But one thing is for sure -- you don't know. So don't tell me you do. I don't want to hear it.

6. "Say, could I get your picture standing on what's left of your house?"
We're still a little sensitive about our stuff, even if it is piled out on the street. Maybe especially then. This debris represents the material accumulation of many years of hard work. It's junk now. We know that. But we're not too eager to pose with our pain yet. We haven't put on our makeup, and we look a mess. This may have been the most photographed city in America before the storm, and maybe that's still the case. But for now, I'll pass on the picture.

. . . . . . .

David Crosby is the pastor of First Baptist Church in New Orleans.

Dog Gone: Katrina pet lawsuits

http://www1.wsvn.com/features/articles/specialreport/MI32187/

The link to the video is at the top of the web page, and the transcript is included below it.

Dog Gone
"Imagine having to give away your dog or cat to a stranger. Tonight, families nationwide are being sued over their best friend. But these aren't ordinary animals. They actually once belonged to Hurricane Katrina victims who lost their pets in last year's flood. Investigative reporter Carmel Cafiero has more in tonight's Special Assignment Report "-- Dog Gone

Did some Katrina "rescues" violate rights?

http://www.capcityfreepress.com/lost1

Here is a story that tells about a New Orleans resident who was physically forced to leave her dog behind; as someone who is hearing-impaired, she relied on this dog as an aid. The article is interesting in that it raises the idea that she could be considered to have been kidnapped by her "rescuers", who forced her to leave her dog behind.

"Technically, a case could be made that Fay was kidnapped. She was taken against her will and brutalized by individuals who were supposed to be providing aid. Sadly, this story is an all too common one in St. Bernard Parish and allegedly several officials from this particular parish are responsible for the worst examples of cruelty, inhumanity and misuse of power to come out of this crisis.

There is a constitutional right in this country to not be forced from your home, and it is just equally applicable in a natural disaster as it is in every day life. Likewise, not only was it her right to have Hunter accompany her to safety, it was imperative for sustaining her quality of life. None of these inalienable rights were taken into consideration in the days after the hurricane for many, including Fay and Hunter. "



Help Bring Hunter Home

Opinion piece on Katrina custody cases

Just came across this editorial: Katrina pets should be returned to owners - Opinion

This writer says "I'm sure the people who adopted the rescued pets were intending to perform acts of charity. Rescuing and caring for a lost animal is a noble deed. But keeping the animal from people who never wanted to give it up, people who have already experienced extreme calamity, is greedy, immature and inappropriate."

In the story, he makes reference to Victor Marino and his dog Max, adopted by a Florida couple who refused to return him. There was quite a prominent story in People Magazine about this issue in August 2006. That story generated more letters than the magazine had received in a very long time, and 90% of the correspondents supported the original pet owners.

Well, here is a piece of good great news, the Mansfields have decided to return Max to Victor! This email crossed our screen recently. It is from from someone who had been helping Mr. Marino,

"Great News! I just got a call from Victor and he has Max at his home in New Orleans. (Adopter) called him last week. She mentioned that she had gotten some papers in the mail and said that they had decided to resolve this without hiring lawyers. She said that if Victor would come to Florida, he could have Max. Victor drove to Florida this past weekend. He said that he met the (Adopter) in front of their apartment, called Max's name, and Max came bounding into his arms, licking his face and going nuts. The (Adopters) asked if they could come see Max if they ever get to New Orleans, and Victor said that they are welcome anytime. They also asked that Victor and Gabrielle send them pictures of their wedding because they want to see Max as the ring-bearer.

Victor reports that Max loves their new female jack russell, Puddin, whom they recently adopted from the McKinney SPCA in Texas. Puddin was one of 270 jrts that the SPCA rescued from a breeder in Decatur, Texas.

Victor said he wants to tell all Louisiana owners who are looking for their pets not to give up hope. Over a year later, Max remembered him, was overjoyed to see Victor, and came immediately when Victor called his name. Victor said it made no difference that Max had been called "Joey" for over a year. He is still MAX."

That is so like Bandit's reunion with Malvin. It didn't matter that other people had called him by a different name while he was in Pennsylvania for a year. He knew his name when Malvin called it when he finally returned home, and when we used it.

Back to Max, it seems that he is going to serve as Mr. Marino's ring-bearer at his upcoming wedding. Why this obviously loving dog owner had to be put through such grief over the past year defies comprehension. But it seems that some people hiding in the shadows decided this person they had never met was undeserving and that it was okay to inflict such a hell on him. Go figure.

Interview with authors of "Rescued"

President Bush just signed legislation that requires states to have an emergency evacuation plan for pets, as well as people. Host Steve Curwood talks with Allen and Linda Anderson, authors of "Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster" about the new animal rescue law.

You can read the printed transcript, or listen to the audio file here:

http://tinyurl.com/y94zs4

They make a good suggestion about having a muzzle handy in your pet evacuation kit, even if you normally don't use one, in the event of evacuation--could make the difference between being allowed on the bus, train, helicopter, or not. Just make sure it fits, and that you've familiarized your dog with it well in advance. If dogs are anything like cats (which they aren't, in so many ways), they may not take kindly to having someone attempt to put a muzzle put on them for the first time in the middle of a disaster.

Not mentioned in this interview is the importance for cats of carriers and harnesses and leashes. We have trained all of our cats to be accustomed to wearing a harness and leash. For going on walks, or for taking to the veterinarian, etc. Even if they are carried in their carrier, we have a harness on them, so that if we need to take them out of the carrier for any reason, the leash can be clipped on and they won't bolt away. We use a long lead so they have the illusion of freedom!

Federal Legislation Passed!!!

States must help save pets
New law puts funds at risk if animals are not in disaster plans
Kimberly Geiger, Chronicle Washington Bureau
Tuesday, October 10, 2006

(10-10) 04:00 PDT Washington -- States will be required to help evacuate pets during a natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake or risk losing federal money under a bill signed Friday by President Bush.

The bill was prompted by reports that as many as 50,000 pets were stranded during Hurricane Katrina. Rescue agencies have been criticized for the "no pets" policy that required pet owners to abandon their animals or defy evacuation orders and stay in the disaster area. Nearly half of those who refused to evacuate said they didn't want to leave their pets behind, according to an April poll by the Fritz Institute, a nonprofit agency involved with providing humanitarian relief work.

"Katrina gave us insight into the lack of preparedness for people and their pets," said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of the Humane Society of the United States, an animal advocacy group that rescued thousands of abandoned pets during and after the hurricane. Markarian said that even disabled people with guide dogs were being forced to choose between their pets and their safety.
Read more here:

http://tinyurl.com/qenr5

---------------------------

Legislation Aims to 'Protect Animals in Times of Disaster'
http://tinyurl.com/y5lfou (scroll down)

Schwarzenegger also signed a bill sponsored by state Assemblymember Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, that was written to help improve emergency planning and evacuation procedures for animals during disasters.

The bill requires the Governor's Office of Emergency Services to work with local officials to implement the procedures into the statewide standardized emergency management system.

"California has seen more than its share of natural disasters, such as fires, floods and earthquakes. Thorough emergency planning is critical for the safety of all Californians, including our pets and livestock," Schwarzenegger said. "This legislation will help protect animals in times of disaster."

Fit as a Fiddle!

Bandit's veterinarian gave him a very thorough physical last weekend, including a senior blood panel and the results just arrived today, indicating that he's fit as a fiddle. The vet says that Bandit is in better shape than she is!

She heard Mr. Cavalier's painful evacuation account and commiserated, stating that if Malvin had not left, no if's, and's or buts, he would have been forced at gunpoint by the agents of social control (national guard, etc.) to leave. She witnessed that happening to most of her neighbours and said it wasn't pretty.

Blessing of the Animals

October 4 is St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day. St. Francis of Assisi is famous for his compassion and his love for animals. On this day, Blessing of the Animals ceremonies are held in many communities. Pet owners from many spiritual backgrounds and beliefs bring their pets to be blessed. New Orleans is no exception, where many pets, including Bandit Cavalier, were brought to be blessed. By all accounts, Bandit enjoyed himself thoroughly.

Here is an article about the occasion, from the Bywater Neighborhood Association's newsletter:

Blessing of the Animals held

Owners and animals gathered at Mickey Markey Park on October 4 for a special blessing of the animals by Sister Joyce Hanks of Holy Angels.

October 4 is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, an Italian saint known for his poverty, gentleness and his great love of all God's creatures, who died in 1226. Christians have long commemorated St. Francis on this day as a way to express gratitude to the Creator who provided animals to till the fields, pull artillery, or fill plates on the dinner table. Since then were have continued this tradition more in the sense of respecting animal life and all of creation.

The bond between a pet and its owner is a special one. The love we give to and receive from a pet can draw us more deeply into the larger circle of life, into the wonder of our common relationship to our Creator.

Sister Joyce invited everyone to place his or her hand on the pets as she prayed for those animals in need of healing. She then asked each person to mention the pet's name as she recited a prayer. The animals were then sprinkled with water, the symbol of life.





Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures.
You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land.
You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.
We ask you to bless this pet.
By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan.
May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures!
Amen.

If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.
~~St. Francis of Assisi

It's a Beautiful Day!

See Gentilly and Lakeview
The Crescent City right in front of you
Birds sing in broken trees
Coming home to New Orleans
The Lower 9th will rise again
Above the waters of Lake Pontchartrain
See the bird with the leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out

Modified lyrics of "Beautiful Day" performed by U2 at the Louisiana Superdome at the Saints-Falcon game on September 25, 2005, as reported in the New Orleans Times-Picayune

You can watch a video of the wonderful Green Day and U2 medley that culminates with Beautiful Day here >>>

More pictures!

More photos of reunion night just added under last week's entry "The Reunion", plus one from the next night of Bandit lounging on the front lawn, keeping an eye on the situation.

New Orleans update

I just tried to squeeze in a description of reunion night under August 31, but for some reason the blog wouldn't allow that, so I've posted it just prior to this one. Had posted something at the NOLA pets forum but not here so thought it would be fitting to describe how things went on the 31st. Still hoping for more pictures soon, but since my cameras didn't arrive until 24 hours after I did, and therefore I couldn't take any photos of that night, will need to wait until Cindi's are ready.

Just got a call from Malvin tonight. He really appreciated the supply of Frontline we sent recently as a gift and has already given Bandit an application. Plus of course Bandit's getting his heartworm preventative just as Malvin used to give him prior to Katrina.
Malvin sounds well, the Saints have won their last two games and the world is good.
He found a groomer for Bandit in Metairie, says they did a really good job on him, took off just enough but not too much. He says Bandit looks very fine.

Bandit and Malvin went fishing on Lake Pontchartrain this weekend, like old times. Malvin caught a good-sized fish and Bandit took in all the sights and spent time with his buddy the way they always used to do.

The Reunion

I met Cindi for the first time at Louis Armstrong International airport. She brought Bandit to New Orleans after picking him from from Eric Rice at Dulles. Cindi and I and Bandit and a documentary cameraman named Russ (or was it Ross!) picked up the rental car, we drove out to Malvin's place.

Bandit was dozing quite calmly with his head down in my lap for 3/4 of the half-hour or so drive from the airport to Malvin's home. But no sooner had we gotten to within about five blocks of his home, just over the railway tracks, when Bandit suddenly bolted up in his seat, put both paws on the window looked through the glass. He was craning his neck to look at the houses. He became more excited than we had seen him, even at the airport, with all the people, sites and sounds. It appeared as though he knew where he was.

We pulled up to Malvin's to be greeted by a modest throng of well-wishers and photographers. Bandit on his leash and I got out of the car.


Malvin called, "Bandit!" and gave his customary whistle.

Bandit's tail started to wag faster than a metronome at high-speed, and he made a bee-line for Malvin. Bandit put his two front paws up on Malvin's thighs. Malvin bent down, and the two exchanged a smooshy kiss on the lips. It was a very poignant reunion. Cameras flashing from all directions.












(All photos above: M. Bryan)
We spent much of the weekend with Bandit and Malvin and I can tell you that it was obvious that Bandit felt at home and could get back to work keeping an eye on his papa and the neighborhood. Bandit always kept an eye on where Malvin was and his preference was always to be by Malvin's side. Or sleeping on his shoes. I noticed in the trailer that Bandit preferred to be sleeping on the floor, rather than his bed, with his nose squarely between Malvin's bedroom slippers. Malvin told me that that is as it was before Katrina. And as it is again. After a very long year, Bandit is Home.


Photo: Sandra Bauer

Family Stops By To Say Hello

Here is a picture of Bandit with one of Malvin's relatives, who stopped by to visit on the weekend we brought him back.

Bandit at Home

Here is a picture of Bandit at the door of Malvin's trailer. One thing I observed is that Bandit is always very watchful of Malvin's whereabouts. But he agreed to pose for this photo on a fine afternoon over the Labour Day Weekend. Malvin would like Bandit's hair to be trimmed, he feels it's too long for the hot Louisiana sun. Bandit's regular groomer is no longer in business since Katrina, so we are on the lookout for a new one.
Photo credit: S. Bauer

Bandit Cavalier returns home to New Orleans after more than a year

We will be posting more photos and a summary of the reunion once we finally get our bags unpacked (my suitcase arrived only moments ago) and lives re-established. In the meantime, enjoy the Best Friends article here. Please note that there is a typographical error in the article;, the individual who took Bandit out of Louisiana and refused to return him when Mr. Cavalier's family and others tried unsuccessfully to get him back , and referenced as "Peter KcKosky is actually "Peter McKosky, also known as PJ McKosky. (Peter James Mckosky).

Heartworm Close Call

Time for a more sombre note amid the celebrations.

A lot of allegations are made about Gulf residents and their low standards of pet care. Allegations that are used as justification to refuse to return the animals to their rightful owners, one-sided, hurtful, mean-spirited allegations that may not even have any basis in truth--but the truth has been one of the casualty's in Katrina's wake, hasn't it.

For the record, Mr. Cavalier was giving Bandit his heartworm preventative every month prior to Hurricane Katrina. Every month, on the first of the month.

Ironically, we are still looking for any documentation that proves that the people who took Bandit out of Lamar-Dixon and to Pennsylvania ever had him tested for heartworm upon his arrival in Pennsylvania, or six months later, after the known incubation period. Veterinary advisories were issued that follow-up testing needed to be done after that incubation period for all Katrina rescues even if they tested negative in September.

There is no evidence in the veterinary records we received for delivery to Mr. Cavalier that proves that Bandit was ever tested initially or as a follow-up in the year that he was in Pennsylvania, nor that his fosters and adopters were ever notified that heartworm was a critical health issue for this hurricane dog.

Upon realizing this, we scrambled to have Bandit tested the day before his scheduled flight to New Orleans because putting him on an airplane if he'd had an advanced case of heartworm could have put his health or even his life in danger. Luckily, he tested negative. Once we got him on the ground in New Orleans, we re-started his heartworm preventative.

In view of the above, we are shaking our heads, trying to make sense of the last year, and asking the question, Why?

The Times-Picayune Was There!

We just returned from New Orleans late last night, having spent a few days helping Mr. Cavalier around his house, with Bandit never far by. These were an amazing few days and the bond between Mr. Cavalier and his dog was obvious for anyone to see. We will post a few more words and pictures as soon as we've settled in. In the meantime, check out this great Times-Picayune story!

Live from New Orleans! It's Bandit and Malvin!

Hi!


Bandit relaxing with Malvin and longtime neighbor. Just like old times.


Bandit and Malvin
Photos courtesy of Cindi Nicotera

Great News! Bandit Will Be Going Home!

"This Just In!"

We are thrilled to announce that -- Bandit has been found, and he is going home to Malvin! The story is a long one with many twists and turns, but the short version is that the person who had Bandit finally learned that Malvin was missing him badly and wanting him back and this kind person very quickly decided to do the right thing and return Bandit. We are over the moon! Awwoooooooooooooooooooo! Thank you dear person! We know this isn't easy and truly appreciate your kindness in doing this. Malvin is so happy now.

Arrangements are being made to transport Bandit to New Orleans. We will post some photos of the reunion, so check back in..

Yippee!

August, 2006: Return to New Orleans

Mr. Cavalier returned to New Orleans in early August, 2006. His house didn't sustain much wind damage. The failure of the levees resulted in considerable flood damage which he will be setting to repairing when a crew becomes available. In the meantime, he lives in his new FEMA trailer (with which he is quite impressed) which is situated in the laneway, snuggled near his house. The ground has been cleared, he's raised a new Stars and Stripes on the 16' flagpole in his front yard, and is putting his handiman and carpentry skills to good use making gradual improvements to cheer the property up.

He told his friends that upon his return and looking around at the place, he stepped out onto his back step and looked down at the steel handrail, and there hung Bandit's leash, where Malvin always tied it after bringing Bandit back from a walk. He just had to sit down and cry. He misses his Bandit so much and looks forward to the day when he can be together with him again.



Photo taken by Mindy Bryan

April 27, 2006: Civil Law Suit Filed

The "administrative details" were never squared away. Upon legal advice to Mr. Cavalier, a couple of modifications were made to the waiver that the other party drafted and asked Mr. Cavalier to sign, and two variations of same were sent back to the other side to select from. The changes seemed routine and minor; hardly like "deal breakers" at all, hence the booking of the flight and the building of Bandit's new dog house in anticipation of Bandit's April 15 flight home.

Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way. For reasons unknown to this very day, Mr. Cavalier was not told which waiver he should sign, nor was an alternate version provided. Nor was did he ever receive an explanation regarding what was wrong with the changes.

The dog was not returned and Mr. Cavalier still had no commitment that Bandit was going to be returned. So On April 27, 2006, six long and agonizing months after the family's first attempt to get Bandit back, a civil suit was filed.

About two months later, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette got a hold of lawsuit and ran a front-page story about it on June 25, and even included a picture of Bandit with the story. There was considerable worry that the story could detrimentally affect the progress of whatever discussions were happening, but since the paper got a hold of the suit and published the story, there was little that could be done after the fact. Another concern was that the appearance of this story would result once again in Mr. Cavalier being subjected to the same type of painful public scrutiny and the harsh judgments that led to him being separated from his dog all this time in the first place.

On the bright side, one possible result might be that the message might finally reach the heart of whoever who did have Bandit, that Bandit really meant the world to Malvin and he desperately wanted him back.

2006 Year of the Dog Named Bandit

It would be an understatement to say that in the first few months of 2006, no stone was left unturned in the effort to find a way to have Bandit returned to Mr. Cavalier. A variety of possibilities were explored, and some attempted. To no avail. So finally in March, the shelter of record (who said they did not have him) was contacted and informed that unless the dog was somehow produced and arrangements made to return him to Mr. Cavalier, Mr. Cavalier would be left with no options but to commence legal proceedings against them.

Then, finally, serious discussions began about Bandit's return. Legal action was not initiated because the parties appeared to be negotiating in good faith about Bandit's return. These discussions continued for several weeks.

The only thing left to sort out was the wording of a waiver/release document.

It looked like Bandit was finally coming back to Malvin, in time for the Easter weekend.

So much so that Malvin built Bandit a beautiful new doghouse in anticipation of his little buddy's return.



So much so that an airplane ticket was booked and paid for. Bandit would ride in the cabin with one of Mr. Cavalier's local (i.e. Pennsylvania) friends.




Finally, it appeared as though Bandit and Malvin would soon be together again, in time for Easter (April 15) and without the need to go to court. Malvin was just waiting to "sign on the dotted line", awaiting word on which version of the waiver the other party wanted him to sign. It was just a question of tidying some administrative details, which did not appear to be contentious.

Unfortunately, another disappointment awaited.

To be continued

December, 2005: Malvin Asks for Help

Malvin's son and the volunteers who were trying to help him were at a loss over what to do next. It should have been so simple: identify the dog, present one's self, and arrange to get the dog back. Instead, ownership of the dog was initially challenged, and the first of a series of unsettling suggestions was made regarding his father's fitness to care for his own dog. Followed by silence; a refusal to discuss the matter further. Who are these people who took Bandit, and what did they do with him? Why did they refuse to communicate further with Mr. Cavalier, Jr.?

Meanwhile, at his home in Houston, Mr. Cavalier Sr. had, independently, learned of a "Locate Your Lost Katrina Pet" event that would be hosted in New Orleans' Garden District in December, hosted by Best Friends, with the participation of rescue groups and search experts from Petfinder and Stealth.


Many pet owners descended on the Locate Your Lost Pet Event in New Orleans' Garden District
December, 2005, hoping to locate their missing family members
Cavalier drove the six hours from Houston to see if someone there could help him find his Bandit. He still did not know that Bandit's record had been found and attempt made to get him back.

Bandit's description was punched into the database and sure enough, up came his record, with his photograph. That was the first time Mr. Cavalier had seen Bandit since August 28 and it was an emotional moment. There wasn't a dry eye in the vicinity as he identified his dog, and volunteers watched in sympathy as a single tear trickled its way down Malvin's cheek as he stared at Bandit's picture the laptop monitor. The photograph above of Malvin in this blog's banner was taken at that event in December by Stealth Volunteer Cindi Nicotera.

It was very difficult for the volunteers present to tell Malvin that yes, Bandit was out there but not locatable, that someone had him and but were not receptive to returning him. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen.

Although email queries had already been posted to Bandit's petfinder record back in October indicating there was an owner who wanted him back, and those messages remained there for anyone who had user shelter/user access to Bandit's record to see, and, technically, Bandit had been "found," volunteers nonetheless made up a Lost Petfinder report for Bandit for Mr. Cavalier.

Malvin Cavalier made the drive back to Houston having found and lost his dog all over again. It was going to be a lonely Christmas.

To be continued...

October 2005: Malvin's Son Finds Bandit But Bandit Not Returned

In less than two weeks after Bandit was taken out of the Lamar-Dixon staging grounds in Gonzales, Louisiana, Stealth Volunteers had readily tracked down Bandit's family, thanks to the up-to-date information on Bandit's rabies tag that was attached to his nylon collar and posted on Petfinder.

Bandit was identified by a family member, based on his Petfinder photograph, and, of course, his tag information which demonstrated ownership. As well, Bandit's "found" location in New Orleans was not far from the family home. Seemingly, all that was left to do was contact the shelter of record and arrange for a reunite of the beloved dog and his grieving owner. Mr. Cavalier's son had told a reunion volunteer, "My dad is dying without his dog." He was anxious to see his father and his father's dog reunited soon. They were both undoubtedly traumatized by the separation from each other after so many years together.

Mr. Cavalier's son (who lives on the West Coast) posted an email message to Bandit's Petfinder record on October 13, 2005, claiming ownership of the dog. The email went unanswered. He telephoned the shelter of record who gave him the cell# of the designated contact for Katrina rescues. That person first tried to tell Mr. Cavalier's son that the dog was not Bandit. Mr. Cavalier was told there was no collar or tags. (Could it be that they fell off, perhaps? somewhere between Louisiana and Pennsylvania?). At some point the denials stopped that it was Bandit, but the dog was not returned. Mr. Cavalier was told that Bandit had a horrible skin condition. (So did just about everything and everybody that had had to wade through the noxious New Orleans flood waters)

Mr. Cavalier Jr. said that the rescue contact stopped answering his phone or returning voicemail messages regarding Bandit or arrangements about his return. That dog was not going to be returned, not any time soon. You can read a story about Bandit and Malvin here.

After the horrific ordeal that his father had just been through, his son told volunteers that he could not bring himself to tell Malvin that he had found Bandit, but that the people who took him had refused to return him.

To be continued....

The Search for Bandit

Starting in September 2005, thousands of found/rescued pets photographs and records were being uploaded to Petfinder's Animal Emergency Response Network on the Internet, so that owners would have a chance to find their pets.

It became clear before too long that many hurricane evacuees were in no position to access the Internet. Many of them had been displaced great distances from their home, were living in shelters, or shared or temporary accommodation without access to computers. Some had no electricity or telephone, and some had never used a computer in their life.

Hundreds of volunteers, some of them former rescuers, some working from their homes hundreds or thousands of miles from the Disaster area found each other and started to work feverishly to try to find lost pets, or track down the owners of the pets who had been found, to notify them of their whereabouts and give them the opportunity to be reunited with them, or, if they were not in a position to take them back due to changed circumstances, to give them the peace of mind that their animals were alive and in good hands.

Stealth Volunteers, No Animal Left Behind, countless individuals from the NOLA pets forum, Eric Rice of Erics' Dog Blog, and other anonymous volunteers devoted countless hours, putting their normal lives on hold for weeks or months while they searched for pets, searched for owners, and listened to heart-rending accounts of how hurricane evacuees had become separated from their pets.

Bandit's family was easily traced by members of Stealth Volunteers, thanks to the collar and rabies tag he was wearing when he was rescued. The rabies tag information, posted at the AERN, led Internet volunteers directly to Bandit's family.

In October 2005, Bandit's family were alerted of his apparent whereabouts and whom to contact to arrange for his return.

At the time, it seemed reasonable to expect that Bandit and Malvin would be reunited soon. Instead, there was only more heartbreak to follow.

Bandit Taken Out of Louisiana, Sept. 26, 2005

On September 26, 2005, Bandit was taken out of Lamar-Dixon, and out of Louisiana, by members of a Pennsylvania group.

Malvin Moves to Houston (Sept/Oct 2005)

Malvin made his way from Dallas to Houston, where he found an apartment to live in, and he started to put back the pieces of his shattered life. Finally, he had secured for himself safety, security, the physical necessities of life, including a nice apartment in Houston, but he did not have his Bandit by his side. In addition to all the trauma he would have to deal with, the grief and loneliness of separation from his beloved poodle Bandit was overwhelming.

Malvin didn't know about Petfinder.com or where to look for his missing dog. This (then) 85-year-old great-grandfather told pet reunion volunteers that he cried himself to sleep each night, over his missing Bandit.

Bandit and Malvin: After the Deluge, Sept. 2005

Bandit
Bandit survived the horrors of the hurricane and flooding and was brought or made his own way to the parking lot of a local home improvement centre which was about a mile from his house. From there he was transported by rescuers to the Lamar-Dixon staging area, where thousands of stranded family pets were being brought by rescuers, to wait for reunification with their families. For a description of the Lamar-Dixon animal sheltering area from a volunteer's perspective, click here.

Bandit was wearing his collar and traceable rabies tag, so finding and being reunited with his owner was only a question of time.

At Lamar-Dixon, a record was created for Bandit, and his data were uploaded to Animal Emergency Response Network (AERN) of Petfinder.com, including his photograph. This is the last known photograph taken of Bandit before he was removed from Louisiana.





Malvin
Malvin survived the horrors of being trapped in the New Orleans Superdome for six days, after which time he finally got a bus ride out of the area, along with thousands others, to Texas. He then was put up in a Dallas detention center (which had been cleared of its prisoners, to accommodate Katrina evacuees). For a first-hand account of the Superdome and subsequent detention center experience, read this evacuee's account.

Malvin's picture was taken too, by the Shreveport Times, as he was preparing to board the bus for Dallas. The caption said, ""The Lord was with me," said Malvin Cavalier Sr. He was evacuated from the Superdome and was being bused to Dallas."

When the Levee Breaks: August 29, 2005

Hurricane Katrina struck. The levees failed. Pandemonium ensued. Residents' best-laid plans, that had worked before, were dashed to smithereens as the levee system failed and massive areas of the city were rapidly inundated with floodwaters.

For a compelling and succinct Flash graphic of the sequence of events, visit "Flash Flood: Hurricane Katrina's Inundation of New Orleans, August 29, 2005"



and for award-winning coverage of the great deluge, visit
the Times-Picayune's archives at http://www.nola.com/katrina/

Katrina Makes Landfall in Louisiana

August 29, 2005

August 28, 2005: Mandatory Evacuation Begins as Katrina Looms

Katrina was not going to be just another tropical storm. With unprecedented fury, she bore down mercilessly towards Louisiana, threatening homes, infrastructure, and lives.

Traffic exiting the city choked in gridlock. Crawling at a snail's pace, stifling in hot cars, it took up to 8, 10, 12 hours or more for people to reach their destinations.

(This bumpersticker and others like it are available for sale at this website--warning: the satirical site contains profanity; reader discretion and parental guidance is advised!)

Hurricane and storm veterans, accustomed to battening down and enduring, found themselves facing a frightening new reality: For the first time in the city's history, the mayor ordered a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans. On August 28th, tens of thousands of citizens streamed to the Superdome.

With extreme reluctance, Malvin prepared to evacuate to the Superdome. "No animals allowed," they said. He couldn't leave without his beloved Bandit. But failing to evacuate was illegal: they'd force the octogenarian to evacuate. His first instinct was to bring Bandit with him anyway, but if he brought Bandit to the Superdome against the orders, what would happen? Would the authorities force him inside and force Malvin to leave Bandit outside? Turn him loose out onto the street? Would someone shoot him? Could Malvin take that chance?

No. Bandit would be safer at home, in familiar territory, in a resilient house that, unlike many of his neighbors, was elevated four feet above the ground, sparing it from the flooding that some of his neighbors had to put up with through the years. Malvin placed Bandit within in his familiar, also-elevated front porch, which was sturdy enough to have weathered through many a storm. He provided his dog with all the necessities of life: plenty of food, water, and he wedged the door open so that Bandit would not be trapped (a decision, which, in retrospect, may have saved the dog's life). If Bandit needed to go potty over the span of the next few days, he could trot down the steps and use his fenced-in yard.

This separation would be a painful one, but in two or three days, Malvin would return home and he and Bandit would be reunited.

Mandatory evacuations begin in New Orleans.

Bandit and Malvin: Happy Together

Bandit the poodle and his guardian and buddy Malvin were the best of friends. The two elderly gentlemen, one a man, and one a dog, shared a home and a life in New Orleans for a decade. Bandit was truly a part of the family and was loved by Malvin and Malvin's wife.

After Malvin's wife of 54 years passed away 2 or 3 years ago, it was just Bandit and Malvin. The bond between the two became even stronger and deeper. Bandit was Malvin's closest remaining family member in the home. His other children have all grown up and moved away. Tragically, Malvin lost one of his adult children to cancer a couple of years ago.

Malvin's son says that his father and Bandit were inseparable. Bandit slept beside Malvin in his own little bed next to Malvin's. Bandit was always looking out for Malvin and even when they were sleeping if he heard so much as the sound of someone walking past the house, his lips would curl up in a growl. Bandit was a loyal and formidable watchdog for his best buddy Malvin.

Here is a picture with "the boys," Bandit, Malvin, and Malvin's grandson clowning around in happier times, just before Malvin and his family were about to head out for a New Orleans Saints' game.




Malvin would have conversations with Bandit all the time. He is convinced that Bandit was talking back to him. "You want to go out in the yard, Bandit?" "Yup, yup, yup, yup, yup." Bandit would reply. Bandit had a nice fenced-in yard to putter around in with his buddy Malvin.

Bandit would miss Malvin when he went away. When Malvin came back from a trip to the store, even if he was gone for 15 minutes, Bandit would get so excited to see him again that he'd race up and down in the yard, or back and forth in the house with total happiness. Malvin said Bandit would always cut up with happiness whenever they were back together again.

Malvin loves Bandit so much and felt so close to him that he always said that after they had both passed away, he wants he and Bandit to be buried in the same plot.

Even in his worst nightmares, Malvin never dreamed that someone would take and keep his best friend from him. There is not a day that passes when he doesn't pray that whoever possesses Bandit now will open their heart, and reunite them.

Bandit and Malvin: Kept Apart Wrongly After Katrina

Malvin and his buddy Bandit have been separated by Hurricane Katrina. Every day we pray that they will soon be together again.
This is a new blog and we will be adding information in the next couple of days, so please check back again soon!

NOTICE: About this blog

This blog is a recollection of some of the events over the past year that Bandit and Malvin were separated. It is told from the perspective of those who were helping Malvin through this ordeal, based on their experiences and memories, and based upon what he recounted to them. It is by no means comprehensive. This blog also discusses other cases, and issues arising from Katrina pet and human rescue.

Content at other Web sites linked to from this site, and comments posted at this blog do not necessarily represent the opinions of this blog's authors.

Should you detect any error or feel a pertinent piece of information is missing, please contact the blog authors at: banditlegal@gmail.com.

Thank you!