'Ultimate love story' brings injured Katrina golden retriever back to Marin for a home

Find out how you can help Angel

Becca MacLaren
Marin IJ (6/19/07)

Angel, a golden retriever, has packed a lot of living into her three years. She has survived the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina, done time at San Quentin State Prison and flown across the country three times.

Monday, her devoted owners sent her back to Marin to find good health and a happy home.

"To me, it's the ultimate love story," said Keri Fennell, a director at the Marin Humane Society. "It was so selfless of them to send her back to us."

Angel first landed in the Bay Area as one of 250 dogs rescued by the Marin Humane Society in the wake of the storm. Thanks to her tags, and her owners' unusual name, Angel was reunited with Marianne and Milton Lugenbuhl of Plattenville, La. in November 2005.

Since then, she has suffered from allergies, skin and orthopedic problems. Her owners have tried everything to help her.

Concerned that the climate was affecting her health, they returned her to the Bay Area.

"She's a survivor - but they are survivors, too," Fennell said.

The Lugenbuhls lost their home and several other pets in the ordeal. A puppy at the time, Angel ran away as the storm built force. Two other dogs that were put in the attic for safekeeping drowned.

When she received a call that the dog had been rescued and was in California, Marianne Lugenbuhl was "overwhelmed."

Her puppy spent a month being cared for by inmates at San Quentin as part of a Marin Humane Society program.

"I didn't have a problem with that, knowing my little Angel was alive," Lugenbuhl said. "Through her perseverance, our little Angel ... actually survived Hurricane Katrina."

Angel's road to recovery may still take some time, but she's in good hands. "We're pretty darn committed to this dog," said Sheri Cardo, the director of public relations.


Angel needs your help

Angel is facing major orthopedic surgery in her rear legs, the cost of which will amount to several thousand dollars. She is a very sweet dog and the Marin Humane Society is committed to getting her the care she needs. If you would like to contribute to Angel's medical costs, please send a check made payable to the Marin Humane Society to:

Angel's Fund
Marin Humane Society
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd.
Novato, CA 94949

If you prefer to donate by credit card, you may call (415) 883-4621 or donate online by clicking here (be sure to indicate that your contribution is for Angel's Fund in the Comments section).

Thank you for your compassion.