April 2021
Appreciating the B.E.A.R. Necessities
Appreciating the B.E.A.R. Necessities
I cannot imagine my life without a dog in it. The day’s troubles simply melt away when I walk through my front door and Magnolia, my precocious four-year-old miniature dachshund, runs up to me, tail wagging with exuberant joy in her heart. Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats the calming love of a pet. Numerous studies have told us that having a pet not only enhances our lives, but it helps us live longer and recover quicker after a major health crisis.
My reason for beginning with this observation is that I strongly believe that sharing your life with a pet is a bare necessity. I’ve had several fur babies in my life, and the majority of them have been rescues that I adopted. As a huge proponent of pet adoption, I’m excited to spotlight one of many outstanding organizations whose goal is helping animals find a forever home. Big Easy Animal Rescue, or B.E.A.R. as it is more affectionately known, was born out of necessity after Hurricane Katrina when thousands of animals were left homeless, lost and injured. Big Easy Animal Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit, all volunteer group that assists, rescues, fosters, and provides medical care and love for neglected and abused animals.
Brenda Laura and her then-partner Sharon Collitt founded this admirable and vital organization. Since the age of five, Brenda has always had a passion for animals, dreaming of working in a zoo or owning her own pet shop. This benevolence toward animals was the key factor in choosing to start B.E.A.R after Hurricane Katrina. The storm wreaked havoc across the Gulf Coast with lives lost, billions in damage, and a crippled economy for years afterward. Inn addition to those devastating human factors, thousands of pets were also negatively impacted. Left behind by owners for a multitude of reasons, these animals were hurt, hungry and scared.
Brenda got a call from the management of Johnny White’s Bar on Bourbon Street, which remained open 24/7 during the hurricane. It seems that literally hundreds of animals were flocking to the bar from areas around the city in search of food. Not knowing what to do and with no public services available, the bar’s manager contacted Brenda, who immediately jumped into action. B.E.A.R. has been going strong ever since.
In early 2020, catastrophe struck again with the onset of the COVID=19 pandemic and the severe restrictions that immediately followed. Once again, the organization quickly became overwhelmed, receiving hundreds of requests for help since many animal shelters, clinics and rescue venues shuttered their doors. One inspiring story that came about during this time period deals with Griffie, who has become the recent face of B.E.A.R. Brenda received a call about a dead dog on Claiborne Avenue. A good samaritan got out and dragged the lifeless pooch to the side of the road. When Brenda arrived, she saw the terrier mix puppy had been hit and seemed to be barely hanging on. This was at the beginning of COVID lockdowns. The SPCA was closed, so she brought the dog to Metairie Small Animal Hospital, figuring there was probably no hope and he would be euthanized. She was pleasantly shocked when the vet called saying that although he was unable to save one of the dog’s eyes and the puppy had a few broken ribs, Griffie was strong and would survive. Brenda was so moved by the fight and will of this little dog, that for the first time in fifteen years, she could not give him up. So Griffie joined Brenda’s family and has a forever home. If that person would not have gotten out of their car and moved the animal, Griffie probably would have been hit by other cars and died on the street. It just proves that it only takes one person doing one act of kindness to make a difference.
One of the very few good things to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the surge in people adopting pets. Many shelters have seen their cages empty for the first time in decades. In order to create more opportunities for busy people to adopt a pet, B.E.A.R. began a program whereby two people can bring home a pet and share responsibilities in both the care and expense of the animal. This co-companion concept has proven to be a great success. Social media has played a huge role in the speed at which animals are adopted. Because of Instagram and Facebook posts on their page, the rescue facilitated six adoptions within one week. One of the best parts is that most of the B.E.A.R.’s adoptions come from referrals.
Other than pet adoptions, there are many ways to support B.E.A.R. They are always in need of volunteers to work in their two stores or to foster a rescue before they find their forever home. Founding organizer Collitt still plays an important role today by helping to board some of the organization’s animals at no cost at her NOLA Sit N Stay boarding and pet sitting company. Brenda says she is incredibly appreciative of the local community, which has played a vital role in helping this grassroots organization place over 500 pets into loving homes. She has also started the Girl Pawty NOLA; twith a major LGBTQ following, the group hosts events throughout the year.
The organization has two stores located in the French Quarter at 513 Dumaine Street and in the Faubourg Marigny at 839 Spain Street. Both locations sell pet supplies as well as offer grooming and affordable veterinary services. Donations to B.E.A.R. go toward feeding and medical care of rescued animals. The proceeds from the shops are used for food, toys, grooming, training, and other important needs. To learn more about the organization, visit bigeasyanimalrescue.org.
I cannot stress enough how wonderful it feels to adopt a furry companion. You aren’t merely welcoming home a pet, but you’re making a lasting commitment to cherish the life of an animal that truly needs your nurturing and love. Be that one person!
My reason for beginning with this observation is that I strongly believe that sharing your life with a pet is a bare necessity. I’ve had several fur babies in my life, and the majority of them have been rescues that I adopted. As a huge proponent of pet adoption, I’m excited to spotlight one of many outstanding organizations whose goal is helping animals find a forever home. Big Easy Animal Rescue, or B.E.A.R. as it is more affectionately known, was born out of necessity after Hurricane Katrina when thousands of animals were left homeless, lost and injured. Big Easy Animal Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit, all volunteer group that assists, rescues, fosters, and provides medical care and love for neglected and abused animals.
Brenda Laura and her then-partner Sharon Collitt founded this admirable and vital organization. Since the age of five, Brenda has always had a passion for animals, dreaming of working in a zoo or owning her own pet shop. This benevolence toward animals was the key factor in choosing to start B.E.A.R after Hurricane Katrina. The storm wreaked havoc across the Gulf Coast with lives lost, billions in damage, and a crippled economy for years afterward. Inn addition to those devastating human factors, thousands of pets were also negatively impacted. Left behind by owners for a multitude of reasons, these animals were hurt, hungry and scared.
Brenda got a call from the management of Johnny White’s Bar on Bourbon Street, which remained open 24/7 during the hurricane. It seems that literally hundreds of animals were flocking to the bar from areas around the city in search of food. Not knowing what to do and with no public services available, the bar’s manager contacted Brenda, who immediately jumped into action. B.E.A.R. has been going strong ever since.
In early 2020, catastrophe struck again with the onset of the COVID=19 pandemic and the severe restrictions that immediately followed. Once again, the organization quickly became overwhelmed, receiving hundreds of requests for help since many animal shelters, clinics and rescue venues shuttered their doors. One inspiring story that came about during this time period deals with Griffie, who has become the recent face of B.E.A.R. Brenda received a call about a dead dog on Claiborne Avenue. A good samaritan got out and dragged the lifeless pooch to the side of the road. When Brenda arrived, she saw the terrier mix puppy had been hit and seemed to be barely hanging on. This was at the beginning of COVID lockdowns. The SPCA was closed, so she brought the dog to Metairie Small Animal Hospital, figuring there was probably no hope and he would be euthanized. She was pleasantly shocked when the vet called saying that although he was unable to save one of the dog’s eyes and the puppy had a few broken ribs, Griffie was strong and would survive. Brenda was so moved by the fight and will of this little dog, that for the first time in fifteen years, she could not give him up. So Griffie joined Brenda’s family and has a forever home. If that person would not have gotten out of their car and moved the animal, Griffie probably would have been hit by other cars and died on the street. It just proves that it only takes one person doing one act of kindness to make a difference.
One of the very few good things to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the surge in people adopting pets. Many shelters have seen their cages empty for the first time in decades. In order to create more opportunities for busy people to adopt a pet, B.E.A.R. began a program whereby two people can bring home a pet and share responsibilities in both the care and expense of the animal. This co-companion concept has proven to be a great success. Social media has played a huge role in the speed at which animals are adopted. Because of Instagram and Facebook posts on their page, the rescue facilitated six adoptions within one week. One of the best parts is that most of the B.E.A.R.’s adoptions come from referrals.
Other than pet adoptions, there are many ways to support B.E.A.R. They are always in need of volunteers to work in their two stores or to foster a rescue before they find their forever home. Founding organizer Collitt still plays an important role today by helping to board some of the organization’s animals at no cost at her NOLA Sit N Stay boarding and pet sitting company. Brenda says she is incredibly appreciative of the local community, which has played a vital role in helping this grassroots organization place over 500 pets into loving homes. She has also started the Girl Pawty NOLA; twith a major LGBTQ following, the group hosts events throughout the year.
The organization has two stores located in the French Quarter at 513 Dumaine Street and in the Faubourg Marigny at 839 Spain Street. Both locations sell pet supplies as well as offer grooming and affordable veterinary services. Donations to B.E.A.R. go toward feeding and medical care of rescued animals. The proceeds from the shops are used for food, toys, grooming, training, and other important needs. To learn more about the organization, visit bigeasyanimalrescue.org.
I cannot stress enough how wonderful it feels to adopt a furry companion. You aren’t merely welcoming home a pet, but you’re making a lasting commitment to cherish the life of an animal that truly needs your nurturing and love. Be that one person!
Tagged in Whisker Warriors in our Summer 2021 issue