Katrina at 20
20 heroic tales of people helping animals
as told to Sandra Sarr, LSU Vet Med strategic communications
Phillip Manuel, pet owner
DVM student Toby Wallis and a veterinary technician work on Valentino, a Doberman Pinscher.
– Photo Credit: Ginger Guttner
Two Doberman Pinschers, Valentino and Diva, were on their own for 16 days before their owner, Phillip Manuel, could get into New Orleans to rescue them. Diva was fine, but Valentino, who was only six months old at the time, was dehydrated and undernourished, and had several pressure sores that required extreme care. According to Dr. Mark Acierno, assistant professor of companion animal medicine, Valentino was a miracle dog that survived because of the collaboration between the internal medicine, dermatology, and surgery services at LSU. Valentino spent many weeks in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital before joining Diva back at home.