Thibodaux church sheltering pets

Times-Picayune NOLA website ^ | 9/5/05 | Millie Ball

[Wolfstar]

THIBODAUX - The young woman from New Orleans, her 7-year-old daughter and their pet poodle were sleeping under the altar at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center on the Nicholls State University campus.

The Rev. Jim Morris said he gazed down at the family that had been banned because of the dog from the regular shelter for victims of Hurricane Katrina. He told a colleague, "Our altar has never been adorned more beautifully than it is with these people seeking the sanctuary of God."

Morris has a dog named Blue. He understands.

"I went over to the school shelter Tuesday night and saw all these people outside, looking dejected and clinging to their animals," said the slender 44-year-old priest with friendly blue eyes and sandy hair he hasn't had time to comb lately. "They wouldn't let them inside. So I said, bring them on over to the church."

The first night there were 130 people with "all these rottweilers, poodles, Chihuahuas, cats, birds, even a pot-bellied pig. It was unbelievable. We had no kennels or cages - PetSmart and Petco donated them later - and people slept on the terrazzo floor and on the pews. We had no electricity. It was like Noah's Ark."

[Wolfstar]

For those who robotically say "people first," I say remember the story of Noah's Ark. God did not say "people first," in that story. He said people and animals together.

[Wolfstar]

Pinging you FYI. Animal rescues are occurring throughout the area.

[Wolfstar]

Cute cartoon.

[Angelas]

God bless this priest.Many people are refusing to leave their homes knowing they would have to abandon their pets. This is hope for them to be able to evacuate.

[Not A Snowbird]

Neat story. I'm glad somebody is thinking of the animals.

[Slings and Arrows]

Ping!
---
Kitty Ping List alert!

[Freepmail me to get on or off the Kitty Ping List.]

[sassbox]

Right now I'm really glad I donated to PetSmart's relief fund last week. At least I know that the creatures helped by them are truly innocent victims and weren't raping and pillaging New Orleans before they were rescued. I also donated to a human relief fund and while I hope the money goes to help good people in need, the idea that it might aid someone who was shooting at rescue helicopters or raping children in the Super Dome makes me sick.

[vox_freedom]

Here is a story that will touch your heart...

[Wolfstar]

This is hope for them to be able to evacuate.

Yes, and they need all the hope they can get.

As conditions improve some on the ground, rescue of animals is happening more and more throughout the area.

[Wolfstar]

Neat story. I'm glad somebody is thinking of the animals.

I'm becoming more encouraged as regards the rescue of animals in the disaster area.

[beyond the sea]

me too!

[Wolfstar]

Thanks for pinging your kitty list. All sorts of animals have been sheltered at this church. Even a pot-bellied pig. As conditions begin to improve somewhat on the ground, more animal welfare groups are coming to the rescue.

[pa mom]

I heard there was a gang of Bassett Hounds stealing food from kittens in Pascagoula. ;)

[Wolfstar]

Right now I'm really glad I donated to PetSmart's relief fund last week.

I'm going over to the local PetSmart here and donate today. I agree with you completely about the thought that any of my hard-earned money would go toward the criminals who ravaged New Orleans after the storm.

[Slings and Arrows]

All sorts of animals have been sheltered at this church. Even a pot-bellied pig.

Something about this story's not kosher. :^)

[Wolfstar]

Hi snugs and oz. I'm pinging you to this story because I know you both love dogs. While many of our furred friends have died or been abandoned, many private groups are coming to the rescue as streets and highways become passable.

[Wolfstar]

Something about this story's not kosher.

LOL!

[cyborg]

check this out... nice story

[Slings and Arrows]

I heard there was a gang of Bassett Hounds stealing food from kittens in Pascagoula.

"What?! Lemme at 'em!!!"