"The Knights of Katrina Award of Excellence is
presented for tireless dedication to the protection and
well-being of animals and for service beyond the call of
duty." said Martin St. John, ED of MuttShack Animal Rescue
at the presentation award, held at the Los Angeles Fire
Department Air Command in Van Nuys, with the actual Bell 412
helicopter in the background.
When 9-1-1 callers reported a dog in distress within the
Los Angeles River and the possibility of someone jumping
into the waters to rescue it, sixty LAFD firefighters from
across a broad expanse sprang quickly into action on the
ground and in the air. Firefighter/Dispatchers queried
callers to determine that this 3 year-old German shepherd
mix was trapped in frigid fast-moving water and the LAFD
wanted the rescue to take place from trained professionals
rather than well intentioned individuals that can
all-too-easily become victims.
The first round of Katrina awards went to Project
Katrina volunteers who spent months rescuing animals during the
aftermath of the storm. Recipients include Senator "Clo"
Fontenot, for his landmark work on the passing of the Pet's Act, Dr.
Renee Poirier for her work with Louisiana Animal Response Team and
Capt. Stephanie Ostrowski, for her tireless work for animals.
Today's recipients were: Firefighter Jo St. Georges, Pilot
Scott Bowman, Firefighter Robert Steinbacher, Firefighter
Dan Child and Chief Joseph Foley.
Firefighter Jo St. Georges also received a pair of kevlar
bite gloves.
Martin St. John, ED of MuttShack
Animal Rescue and Joe share a laugh as Scott Bowman, Chief
Joseph Foley, Firefighters Steinbacher and Dan Child look
on.
Amazing The Katrina Promise
an Animal Rescue Project !
MuttShack Nominated for Humane
Society of Louisiana Award
Read More
The
Katrina Promise
When Katrina hit, an incredible group of dedicated volunteers went
to East New Orleans. Despite overwhelming devastation and
hardship they rescued over 3,000 pets. MuttShack operated
a MASH unit, pet shelter and an aggressive dog clinic run by Jim
Crosby, canine aggression specialist.
MuttShack then stayed and lobbied in support of Senator Fontenot's Pets
Act, winning the right for people to evacuate with their pets.
But the crisis is not over
The Act does not provide for all the supplies, equipment and
training that is necessary pre-storm.
Even though people will be evacuated with their pets, supplies and
trained volunteers are still desperately needed. Watch the
video and see how you can play a part.
MuttShack talks to Val
Kilmer who supports and feeds 100 animals daily in
Mexico. Thanks Val!