As Valerie Chadwick watched the relentless news coverage of the devastation following Hurricane Katrina, a few images remained with her.
Chadwick, assistant professor for the College of Veterinary Medicine, said scenes such as animals stranded on top of submerged cars or swimming as boats full of people passed, have prompted her to take part in a relief effort with the college.
"It's frustrating," she said. "My thought is, 'The dog isn't that big - pick it up and take it.' You want to go out and get him."
On Monday, Chadwick and about 12 other faculty and student members of the College of Veterinary Medicine will travel to Louisiana State University to aid in relief efforts for the area's affected animals.
The team will spend two weeks working at the Hurricane Katrina Emergency Animal Shelter, set up in the LSU AgCenter's John M. Parker Coliseum.
Chadwick said tasks they will perform include triaging incoming animals, treating malnutrition and providing clean cages while controlling diseases that might start to occur.
"Our profession is very caring and compassionate - you have a bleeding heart," she said. "We want to save as many people's lives as we can, but you have to remember, people think of their pets as family members."
Prior to the disaster, about 60 percent of households in the area had pets, and it is estimated that 30,000 to 50,000 animals are currently in need, Chadwick said.
Veterinary medicine senior Amy Green is one of the students going on the trip; she said she was unsure at first whether she wanted to attend.
"I convinced myself I wasn't going to go," she said, adding that watching a few minutes of news coverage changed her mind. "They showed the houses underwater and people lifted on helicopters that couldn't have their animals and were distraught. (There was) no doubt in my mind I should be there."
Green said she was able to arrange her schedule at school so she would not miss any class.
Several individuals and businesses have assisted the group with donations of money and items such as cages, food and sanitizing products.
University Motor Pool and Penske Truck Rental have offered support during the about 17-hour trip to get the team and supplies there.
Chadwick said they are continuing to accept donations.
"I wouldn't look at this just as an MSU trip but an opportunity for the state of Michigan to help other states that are devastated," she said. "It has been overwhelming how much people care."
On Wednesday, a six-person rescue team from the Michigan Humane Society returned home after 10 days in Louisiana.
Amy Popp, spokeswoman for the Michigan Humane Society, said while the group performed several rescues, things were not always serious.
One rescued Rottweiler won the hearts of the team, who named it "Katrina," Popp said.
"They did everything," she said. "They rescued a dog in the French Quarter and its name was 'Booze.'
"How funny and appropriate that was."
The group returned with 18 dogs that the Michigan Humane Society will foster for 30 days for owners to claim them - a Web site has been created with pictures of all rescued animals - and if not claimed, they will be adopted.
"(Before the storm) there was a place people could leave addresses for the pets," Popp said, adding that some people refused to leave their homes because of their pets. "Two people from our team went out on boats and used (Global Positioning System) units to locate the home, break down the doors and save these animals."
Green said she doesn't know what to expect from her time in Louisiana, but looks forward to the experience.
"I have fears," she said. "I don't know what to expect and I'm kind of afraid of that. I know that during tragedies, some people get some life insight. I want to give back, in addition to finding some life direction."
