The tale of Harry, one Katrina dog

One Catahoula Leopard Dog (or "hog dog"), like Harry (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

While trolling the online pet adoption sites, a friend of mine had her heart stolen by a big black and white hound found wandering in Monterey, California. The local shelter believed that he had been a “Katrina dog”, one of the many pets displaced and separated from its owners during the hurricanes and flooding in Louisiana and transported to shelters elsewhere in the country to be adopted by new owners.

When they  met face to muzzle, the whole family fell in love with the keen young dog, and “Harry” was soon adopted into their home. Walking their handsome new hound, they met an identical dog, identified by the owner as a Catahoula leopard dog, a very old breed named for Louisiana’s Catahoula Parish.

Harry has landed in the happiest of homes. He will live a long and pampered life, receiving the food, exercise, and attention that every dog should have.

Still I think occasionally of his first family, who may be wondering what happened to him.

If you want to make sure that you are never permanently separated from your pet, the ASPCA recommends having your animal fitted with a microchip. The chip is inserted under the skin between the animal’s shoulder blades. No matter what befalls you or your pet, it is possible to track an animal that carries a microchip. Most animal shelters now have the equipment needed to read a chip and reunite you with your pet.

Harry will never be lost by his new family. He’s been microchipped at the ASPCA. No matter what happens in the future, workers at animal shelters all over the country can help Harry find his way back home.