One of our Starfishers, Sue Varner of Butler County PA, just returned from Alexandria, LA. She is tired and dazed, but otherwise elated that she and her crew of five were able to rescue 32 animals (12 dogs and 20 cats).

The cats were rescued from Spaymart in New Orleans—a rescue organization that suffered greatly from Hurricane Katrina. Currently running under limited operations, Spaymart previously tested these cats for Feline Leukemia and FIV. Project Starfish is working with a rescue group in Delaware, Purrfect Haven Cat Rescue, that will care for ten of the rescued cats.

As for the dogs, they came from Broken Down Dogs Shelter in Alexandria, LA. They were tested for heartworm and fecal parasites prior to the transport. All animals received health exams at a veterinary clinic upon return to Butler last Sunday prior to moving to their foster homes.

No matter how they got there, the bottom line is that all the animals are now safe, resting, and getting veterinary treatment as needed. These animals will go on to fabulous forever homes if they owners are not found.

Per procedures outlined by the Humane Society, the animals that were not owner surrendered and are orphans of the hurricane will be photographed and placed on petfinder.com. Owners will have 30 days to claim their pets.

According to Varner, she knows many of the families who lined up to complete foster/adoption applications at their homecoming on Sunday would like to adopt these pets.

Thank you Sue and all future Starfishers who want to make a difference. It is not always the big things, but the little things we do that add up to a whole lot.