On September 19 2005, 1atatime Rescue and Pet Planet announced that they would be bringing some of the thousands of dogs left homeless by Hurricane Katrina to Calgary, and finding forever homes for them here in Canada.

We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for this project, and the people who have opened their hearts and their homes to these dogs through offers to volunteer, to foster or adopt, and through donations of money or supplies. On behalf of the dogs, thank you to everyone who has supported this project in any way.

Click on images to enlarge

Plans for transporting the dogs are finally being realized. Upon hearing about the need of 1atatime to bring the dogs to Canada, Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours of Canmore, Alberta offered to drive to Louisiana and pick up the dogs in their specially equipped sled dog transportation vehicles. Keri Davis, Connie Arsenault and the crew from Snowy Owl (including a mechanic and an EMT) will be leaving on Saturday, October 1st and anticipate spending approximately 6 days on the road to Louisiana and back. 1atatime is still seeking volunteers with an air conditioned minivan to drive with the trucks, and help transport any dogs needing special attention. With Snowy Owl’s specially equipped vehicles, we will be able to bring at least 75 animals safely back to Canada.

DONATIONS

Due to internal communication issues at TD/Canada Trust, some people have had difficulty making donations as their branch has been unable to locate the account. This has been an error on the bank’s part, and in no way reflects on the status of 1atatime as a registered non-profit organization. TD bank has been contacted and has sent out an internal memo to rectify this situation.

Please remember, the full account name is "Rick Williams in trust for 1atatime Rescue". You must quote the entire phrase for TD Bank to be able to process the donation. If you are still having problems donating, please quote the following at any TD Bank branch: Donation to 9702 6254406. 9702 is the branch and 6254406 is the account number. Pet Planet locations will also be accepting funds, providing that the cheques are made out directly to the In Trust Fund. Pet Planet stores are unable to accept cash donations.

Click on images to enlarge

We have also received much needed support from Paul and Nell Newman, manufacturers of Newman’s Own Organics dog food. As Snowy Owl would not be able to bring food across the border into the United States, Newman’s Own will be delivering food to the pick up point for the dogs during their trip to their new homes in Canada.

Do not be concerned that the dogs coming up from Louisiana will lose the opportunity to be reunited with their guardians. Any dog whose family could potentially return to them will remain in Louisiana, where several groups (most notably Noah’s Wish and Best Friends) are caring for them. The dogs coming to Calgary are some of the many that have been surrendered by families or are stray and don’t have families of their own to return to.

October 5, 2005

WE HAVE A VERY SPECIAL PLEA:: One of our dearest little rescues, "Zippy," is under vet care in intensive care. Tests are underway to try and help him. Please.. he is such a great ambassador for rescue and a much-loved friend. He is a young dog (approx 1 1/2 yrs. old) and has a lot of life to live. Donations towards his vet costs are desperately needed and will be a blessing. The vet costs are already in the $3000.00 range. We are begging. Please join us to "Help Zippy". We will keep you all updated on his status.

Oct. 5, 2005 UPDATE:

1atatime crew is on their way back to Calgary with a load of wonderful furry friends in search of forever homes. You can read more about our trip if you go to this most recently rescued dog's bio. If you would like to support this effort and would like more information, please put this address in your search engine. http://www.petplanet.ca/rescue.html

THE DEVESTATION HAS HAS LEFT THOUSANDS OF ANIMALS HOMELESS. WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO FOSTER ONE OF THE MANY DOGS OR CATS WE HOPE TO SHIP AND RE-HOME.

Our rescue partners are in great need of more dog and cat food as well as crates to put the animals in that they are rescuing. Your donations will go towards feeding, vetting, and shipping these poor animals. Large numbers of owner surrenders are occuring each day as well, so the numbers of animals in need is growing daily. 1atatime is comitted to working to help the animals and rescuers involved, please consider partnering with us.

These siblings are just some of the many owner surrenders that await help.

This courageous and weary dog could only cry out and weep on the shoulder of our rescue partner after he was found.