Paz worked at the Hurricane evacuation center for 2 days

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi all,

We've been out of the loop for a while because we live in Lower Manhattan and were evacuated for almost a week.  Fortunately, my son has a home in Park Slope, Brooklyn and we stayed with him and his family. During that time, Paz and I worked at an evacuation center, assisting victims.  Paz was such a huge hit,with the adults as well as the children.  Paz lumbered up to one little boy who had been crying; the child immediately stopped crying, looked at Paz and said "Wow, I didn't know they have pony rides here!".  Needless to say, whereas Paz couldn't give the little boy a pony ride, he did manage to provide him with lots of cuddles and warm support.  The evacuation sites are somewhat chaotic, but I was really proud of Paz in that he remained calm, and never seemed flustered.  The difficult part is that we were there for 8 hour shifts, which is really long for a therapy dog, so I walked him frequently and tried to give him quiet time whenever possible.  By the time we left at the end of the day, Paz was so exhausted that he lay on the couch (yes on the couch) and started to snore.  He is such a great trooper.  It's amazing to witness the wonderful support a therapy animal can offer during the most stressful times.

[Lauria Orr]

Your story just touches my heart. I hope the mess is under control soon, I was really moved by the "pony ride" part of your story, as well as the efforts you have made in a difficult time. Bless you both!!!!!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Thank you Charlotte and Paz!  What a generous and kind thing to do.  Paz the therapy "pony" :)

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your kind thoughts and comments.  I'm still having difficulty with my cable, internet and so forth, but that is nothing compared to the devastation being experienced by so many others.  I live in a high rise complex in Lower Manhattan, and it is heartwarming to see the way in which communities, and groups from throughout the country have rallied to provide assistance, to humans as well as pets.  Today we are running a drive to get flashlights, batteries, cleaning supplies etc to the hard hit areas; as of this morning, the lobby in one of our buildings was filled to capacity with donations, and the drive just started.  Last week there was a drive for pet food, and within two hours, neighbors had donated so much pet food, that the trucks couldn't carry any more.  On Wednesday there was a blanket drive, and again, the community had pulled through donating clean, beautiful, and often new blankets to be shipped to areas in which there is no heat, lights etc.  I work for the NYC Mayor's Office and am Director of Children's Services at the NYC Family Justice Center in Brooklyn (BKFJC); the Center serves victims of domestic violence and their children.  I actually consider myself blessed that rather than going to the Center, Paz and I were given the opportunity to help the families at the evacuation sites who were struggling with so much trauma.   The courage demonstrated by these evacuees in the face of so much loss and devastation, was and remains truly remarkable; the community response to their needs has been heartwarming.  In many respects I have learned more from these courageous individuals, than I could ever hope to give back.  In terms of the pets, all the evacuation sites were pet friendly ( a lesson learned from Katrina), but many families were unable to get their pets, or were separated from them.  The city, local rescue groups and so forth, are making ongoing efforts to get pets out of empty homes, find them shelter, and ultimately reunite them with others.  It has been a huge, expensive effort, and there still remains a tremendous need for all kinds of pet supplies, food etc, so I am so very appreciative that my doodlekisses "family" is supporting efforts to help pets ( which includes everything from dogs, cats, guinea pigs to turtles/snakes). 

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

I am so impressed by your kindness, Charlotte! What a nice thing to do!!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

I am so impressed by your kindness, Charlotte! What a nice thing to do!!

[Christine & Shelby]

Amazing... such a sweet story!  I bet having Paz visit that little boy was the highlight of his day and he's likely still talking about it.  

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thank you both for being there for others.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Charlotte, I am sorry for your evacuation, but it seems you turned lemons into lemonade. How wonderful of you to think of others during such a stressful time. I am sure Paz and you were a blessing to many. Thank you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I admire you and Paz so much for reaching out to others when you are displaced yourself.  Thank you.  I hope your home is fine.

[Richard Crowe]

Hooray for you and Paz.  We hpe everything has turned out well for both of your...