I’m a sucker for all things New Orleans, so when a friend forwarded me a plea to help Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) I answered the call and donated. Here’s the email:
Help Animal Rescue of New Orleans
The following request comes from Shawndra Michell, Reiki Master, animal communicator, and a volunteer who helped with rescue efforts for the animals affected by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans three years ago.
“Hi all — actually, I should say ‘hi y’all’
“I recently returned from New Orleans for the 3rd anniversary of Katrina. I left on Saturday, before they shut down the airport and obviously, missed Gustav. There’s a fabulous organization that I’ve been working with called Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). They’re a grass roots organization that started after Katrina, and runs totally off volunteers and donations. They’re back in town, and so far have about $18,000 worth of damage to the structures, dog kennels, enclosures, etc. Insurance will probably cover some of it, but certainly not all of it.
“If any of you are thinking of making a monetary donation to help with relief efforts, I HIGHLY recommend ARNO. They are desperate for help there, and I guarantee that any money sent goes DIRECTLY to the animals.
“We brought back one cat with us, and will be bringing up at least two more dogs now that the storm has passed. ARNO is doing a tremendous job, and again, everything runs because of the volunteers that give their own time and money and dedication to these animals.
“Here’s the link to donate: http://animalrescueneworleans.org/donate.html
If anyone wants to read about them online, they have a great website too. Please feel free to pass this on to others.”
Thanks for your help, and for passing this email along!