My friend Jenny Pavlovic recently published a book entitled 8 State Hurricane Kate: The Journey and Legacy of a Katrina Cattle Dog and I wanted to put out the good word for her and her book. I just ordered the book, so I haven’t actually read it yet, but it’s a story I know well. She and I got to know each other through a list-serv devoted to Australian Cattle Dogs (also known as Blue Heelers or Queensland Heelers.) My dog, Jazz, is an ACD-mix (adopted from the Atlanta Humane Society) and I joined the list to learn more about their quirky, yet lovable ways.
After Katrina tore through Louisiana and Mississippi, Jenny heard about the plight of the many dogs who were abandoned by their owners in the wake of the hurricane and felt strongly compelled to go there to see what she could do to help out (she lives in Minnesota.) She was already active in ACD rescue, but what she experienced there changed her life and became her mission. She shares the story of how she came to know Kate, a dog she took home from the Lamar-Dixon Animal Rescue Center in Gonzales, LA and recounts their journey together.
Jenny and I had a series of e-mail exchanges after she brought Kate home and tried to rehabilitate her. Later, when she was writing her book, she asked if she could share some of our discussions. I’m honored to be included in her and Kate’s story.
I encourage you to read 8 State Hurricane Kate. She was a once-forsaken dog who now symbolizes the heart of disaster animal rescue. At least 50% of the book’s profits will go to the 8 State Kate Fund, which provides financial relief for animals in desperate situations.
