I wanted to help out with the Katrina efforts. I’m the kind of person who needs to DO something in order to feel that I have actually helped. I heard about PAWS Chicago posting pictures of abandoned animals brought in from the hurricane area. I had no intentions of adopting until I saw this one dog. 
I always wanted an older, male, golden retriever and I want to help in someway with the Katrina efforts ... he was the way I could do both!
We named him Nola (New Orleans LouisianA) and he is such a sweetheart. He has been a great addition to our family and gets along with Roxie (our 13 yr. old female Shepherd/Beagle mix). He is playful and affectionate. He acts like a 70 lb. puppy! But we have a lot of work to do with him because of the neglect he suffered at the hands of his previous owners. Turns out he was saved both from the hurricane and abusive owners.
Nola has medical issues and some odd behavior when he is allowed to roam the house. The vet said that’s because he was caged for most his life and he doesn't know how to act in a warm, cozy home with soft surfaces.
My daughter is learning a lot by adopting Nola. She understands what happened to the people and the animals in New Orleans. She understands that Nola was left alone and abandoned and that we are to nurture him and give him lots of TLC.
The best part of this is that Nola is already going to serve others. On Thanksgiving Day we took Nola to visit nursing home patients. I hope being greeted by our daughter and a great dog brought some joy to these people who are without family.
Jeannine Walaszek
