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When the LA/SPCA lost its shelter in the massive flooding
following Katrina, it lost more than just a building. It
lost a place where a community could bring homeless and
stray animals that would otherwise face a dire and dangerous
existence on the streets. It lost a place where low-income
residents could seek medical treatment for their animals
when they couldn’t afford to do so anywhere else. It lost a
place where a committed staff and selfless volunteers would
work tirelessly to find new homes for animals that so
desperately needed a second, third, and as many chances as
possible to find a loving family.
As the only animal shelter in New Orleans, the 119-year-old
organization’s role during Katrina is all too familiar to
those who were so emotionally struck by the animal tragedy
that unfolded in the aftermath of Katrina. On the heels of
that loss, the
 LA/SPCA went on to establish what would
ultimately become the largest animal shelter and animal
rescue operation in U.S. history, saving over 8,500 animals
in the first few weeks with the aid of countless colleagues
and volunteers from all across the world.
The LA/SPCA experienced devastating losses. But like the
unstoppable Lexie who dug into the newly broken ground with
unadulterated joy, the LA/SPCA possessed a dogged
determination to rebuild. The triumphant groundbreaking
signaled not only a rebirth but a desire to move beyond the
tragedy in order to reestablish the most comprehensive
animal care services in the state.
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