In the News: Tails of Marin
By Carrie Harrington
After Hurricane Katrina, a new home for the holidays in Marin
Angel loves frolicking about on Marin's scenic hiking trails, tossing around her favorite stuffed squirrel toy and sampling tasty peanut butter-filled treats.
But it hasn't always been such a wonderful life for this 3-year-old golden retriever who lives in San Rafael with her devoted mom Angela Canziani.
Angel is a Hurricane Katrina survivor. Her guardians, Marianne and Milton Lugenbuhl of Louisiana, lost everything in the storm, including two other dogs, a bird and two houses. Angel ran away during the hurricane - which is what saved her. Sadly, the other family pets drowned. But Angel escaped and was taken to an emergency shelter, where she was then evacuated to the Marin Humane Society. Angel was one of 250 animals brought here as part of Operation Orphans of the Storm.
For weeks, no one answered the phone at her home or vet's office - they were all under water. During that time, Angel was cared for by inmates at San Quentin as part of the Marin Humane Society's Pen Pals program. At last, her family was located, and Angel was flown home to New Orleans in November 2005.
After her return to Louisiana, Angel suffered from allergies, skin and orthopedic problems. Her family tried everything to help her but, concerned that the climate was affecting her health, they asked the Marin Humane Society to take her back. It broke their heart, but they thought that Angel would be better off where she was happier and healthier.
"There is truth to the saying about loving something so much that you are willing to let it go," says Marianne. "I love Angel that much."
The Marin Humane Society was committed to Angel's recovery, and ultimately, to finding her a loving home. After undergoing major orthopedic surgery on her knees and lengthy treatment for heartworm and skin allergies, it appears that this Angel has finally gotten her wings.
"It's so amazing to see her run and be active after everything she's been through," beams Canziani. Several months ago, Angel was barely able to walk more than a short distance without sitting down and could not go faster than a slow walk.
But since her surgery, she has gradually built up strength and muscle in her legs to where she now accompanies Angela on long hikes.
Angela first met Angel in October. Angel had just returned from New Orleans and was starting treatment for heartworm. "I knelt down to say hi to Angel and she put her head in my hands and looked right into my eyes. I felt an instant connection."
Though Angel would not be available for adoption for another month, Angela decided to submit an adoption application that day. Several weeks later, she received a phone call with the good news: Out of all the potential applicants, MHS believed Canziani's home and lifestyle were the most well-suited for Angel.
Was it meant to be? Angela thinks so: "People say that Angel picked me - and I believe them!"
Carrie Harrington is the communications manager at the Marin Humane Society.
Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal
