Katrina at 20
20 heroic tales of people helping animals
as told to Sandra Sarr, LSU Vet Med strategic communications
Danielle Reado, pet owner
Kelsie with Danielle Reado and her daughter at the LSU Vet Med Veterinary Teaching Hospital after she recovered.
– Photo Credit: Ginger Guttner
Danielle Reado, a pet owner whose dog was treated at LSU Vet Med following Hurricane Katrina and then returned to her. Kelsie, an 11-year-old mixed breed dog, survived for five weeks in a flooded house with no food. Kelsie was treated for starvation and dehydration and was fostered by one of the LSU veterinary medical residents until she could rejoin her family. Kelsie’s owner, Danielle Reado said, “We left her with food and water in her room, but she was found in my bedroom on top of two mattresses and a box spring. The door was wedged shut, and Kelsie couldn’t get out to get to her food. My mother and sister rescued Kelsie and brought her to LSU. We were so happy to see her. It’s a true blessing that she survived.”