Saving Animals from Hurricanes

Rescuing Animals from Disasters

by Stephen Person

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast with heavy rain and winds that whipped at speeds of up to 140 miles per hour (225 kph). Thousands of people had already evacuated the city, but many were not able to take their pets. Instead, they left extra food and water for the animals--thinking they would be back in just a few days. Unfortunately, that was not the case. As young readers relive the dramatic events surrounding the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, they will witness firsthand the dramatic and courageous rescue attempts that saved the lives of thousands of innocent animals that were trapped in the Gulf Coast region after Katrina. From rescue workers floating in boats down the flooded streets of New Orleans looking for stranded pets to marine biologists searching for dolphins that were washed out to sea, the inspiring, heart-warming tales in this book are a must for any young animal lover.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

32 pages, Library Binding

First published August 1, 2011

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those of us who survived Hurricane Katrina might wish that this book had been published before 2005, but nevertheless, I'm glad the story of the animals left behind and later rescued when their owners had to evacuate has been told here and in other books for children. Filled with heart-rending photographs of dogs perched on boards or car roofs waiting for someone to save them, the book tells the stories of some of the men and women who worked so hard to bring the dogs, cats, and other living things out from the flood waters in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. Even farm animals such as horses and chickens and aquarium residents such as dolphins and alligators needed care during the crisis, and the author provides simple details about all these animals and their rescue. He even describes the animal shelter and rescue operation set up in Gonzales, Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina, the largest animal shelter and animal rescue operation in
U. S. history. A brief note points out that a federal law now requires that animals receive consideration during future disasters. Young readers--and their animal-loving parents will gobble this one up--and they should. For many of us, the dogs and cats with which we share our lives are important members of our family.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent photographs, heartwarming stories. Focuses on Hurricane Katrina but also mentions other major hurricanes. Includes glossary, index, and table of contents. Great to pair with Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival.

[Hannah Holthaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focused mostly on rescuing animals from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. All throughout the book were personal stories about heroes and animals that were in great danger and people who rescued them. It talked about how so many animals were left behind but luckily, some animals did survive the horrible hurricane. There was a lot of facts and information over Hurricane Katrina and everything that happened during that time. People did not realize that the hurricane was going to be as big as it was. When people left their homes, they would leave some food and water out for their animals because they thought that they would be back in a few days. Hurricane Katrina forced more than 800,000 people in Louisana, Mississippi, and Alabama to leave their homes. This would be an excellent book to use if students are learning about natural disasters or researching Hurricane Katrina more in-depth.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

15,000 animals were rescued after Hurricane Katrina, from dogs and cats to horses and even dolphins. Full color photos accompany poignant stories in this book that will fit the bill for many young animal lovers.

[Barb Keister · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about the largest animal rescue in US history following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. I'm including this one in an upcoming weather unit about effects of extreme weather. An angle I hadn't thought about before. Great photographs and engaging text.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative book filled with heartwarming true tales and memorable images from Hurricane Katrina. The 5year old enjoyed the variety of animals discussed, from dogs and cats to horses and dolphins.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It has vivid pictures and lots of text features to help you through the story. It's one of a series about people who help animals.

[Marcus Gilfert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of neat examples, but the constant death tolls were omitted by me in my program due to the age of some attending.

[Mary Stovall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informative about Hurricane Katrina and could be used in an informational hurricane unit as well. I think it would be a great look into the real consequences of hurricanes and how humans come together to help each other in times of crisis.

[Ashlyn Alexander]

Summary: In 2005 when hurricane Katrina hit, people did not know the severity of what was about to come. The hurricane hit and families left there homes and pets thinking they would be back soon. unfortunately they never returned, leaving tons of abandoned animals in the streets to fend for themselves. This book takes readers on the sad journey of these animals and how people went out of there way to help and save these animals, and the happy reunions that animals got with their owners.

Personal opinion: When I first picked out this book to read, I had already made my mind up that I would not like it, but as I read this book I did enjoy it. The book was sad at first because all these sweet animals have survived rough times. You feel sorry for the animals and want to help, but then it gets better as the sweet animals reunite with there owners.


Classroom usage: Since this book is based on hurricane Katrina I think that one of the activities that could be done with the class could be them researching a little more about the hurricane and giving three or more facts about it. Even though the book is about animals I think that knowing about the hurricane would be very beneficial.