I was approved for fostering, to adopt. Because of the outbreak, Ollie and I had to stay in the Houston area until two distemper tests came back negative. He was not allowed to have contact with other dogs.
I look back at that time and smile. Ollie and I had wonderful days, strolling around in Houston, me carrying him in a little pet bag.
We found a great pet friendly coffee shop, The Common Bond Cafe, where I could tap into the wifi and work, while he was by my feet curiously taking in the world outside of the warehouse he had spent the last couple of months. Next time you are in Houston, be sure to pay them a visit, it’s well worth the effort.
A few weeks later, after 2 negative distemper tests, we could finally leave Houston and go back to Gulf Breeze.
Ollie settled in well and big sister Lilly, and brother Max taught him to use the doggie door to get out to the backyard anytime he wants. He loves to cuddle and snuggles up on my arm in the evening whenever he gets a chance.
It has been a wonderful experience to be part of his journey back to the spunky little guy he is. He might be little, but he has the personality of a giant.
November 22
My heart is broken as I just found out that this little sweet girl didn’t make it. Her little body was fighting advanced stages of HW and kidney problems. Her name was Kia. To me, she will always be Skinny Minnie.
We were blessed to get to know you, Kia, even if only for a few months, at the BF pavilion. Your time here was not easy, and not fair, but at least your last months were spent among people who loved you and showed you what kindness feels like. It was an honor and privilege to take you on your daily walks. May you rest in peace Kia. You might be gone, but you will always live on in my heart.
After the Pet Reunion Pavilion closed down, November 3, Best Friends published this infographic. It pretty much sums it up.
For the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, I put together a slide from the time there. It was posted on our volunteer page. Here’s a link to the slide show. Below are some thoughts from friends that spent time at the pavilion as well as the slide.
I also found out that unfortunately, 13 of our little friends had passed over the rainbow bridge. A beautiful little spot was created for them at the Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah in their memory.
It was a year ago Saturday? Not yesterday? Everything is still so fresh. I was at NRG early on, I was photographing the dogs/cats as they were just starting to add photos to the descriptions/numbers. The poor babies were so scared and some in such bad shape – I never saw/felt anything like that. I didn’t get to go back, as I had wanted, but it has never left me. And all the success stories are priceless and all the babies still waiting for someone are heartbreaking – if only I could take them all. Thank you for this. I look back at the pictures I took and still cry. – Brenda Hernandez
I still have Foxy Brown A229 in the Library, my phone won’t let me post but she is wonderful, I am so blessed to have her. – Liz Lutrario
Wonderful video. Having spent much time in Houston, it certainly brought tears to my eyes…- Cathi Drinkard
I will never forget my time there… and the sweetest pup I got to give a home! – Rebecca Bass
Thank you so much for putting this together and posting it. NRG was an experience I will never forget. 🐾 – Molly Espey
This is so beautiful and well done. It made me cry. I recognized a number of dogs and some people. It was definitely life-changing. Was that a photo of Pax towards the end? I would love to be able to share this link. Will see if I can. Thank you for this incredible tribute. – Bland Nesbit
Cissi Petersson Milford I was there early on. I photographed them, some just coming in right after medical intake. And so many volunteers doing – everything! I believe Houston and Harvey is something we will always carry. It’s been said before and it’s true – Harvey caused such devastation but for a lot of these babies, well, it actually saved them. – Brenda Hernandez
It was so great to have met you in Houston! What a whirlwind of emotions!!! – Cassie Hoelzl
I’ll end with a link to a YouTube video by Best Friends from the 46 days at the NRG Arena. It made me smile and I hope it makes you smile too.
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