The Spirit of New Orleans: A Chihuahua
Story
October 31, 2007 was a Hallowed eve indeed
for one of our long time NOLA buddies, a 13-year-old Chihuahua
named Nala. Nala and the other four members of her Chihuahua
family stayed for some time at NOLA Animal Clinic before Katrina
when their house caught on fire. Their feisty spirit was apparent
from day one, but the five dogs quickly became a part of our
family. Their return home was in site after almost a year and
a half’s stay at NOLA when Katrina again devastated their
home. They went to Dr. Rai’s own home at first after the
storm, and then back to the clinic when our facilities were again
viable. They remained our living proof during the rebuilding
that the residents of New Orleans East along with the animal
members of their families would return with strength and fervor.
Unfortunately, our hearts sank at the beginning of October when
we learned of Nala’s escape. The Chihuahuas were known for
their eager sense of exploration, and unfortunately Nala’s
led her away from her home. The prospects of her return, especially
on account of her small size and older age, grew bleak as the
month progressed. We had just about given up hope, when Ms. Julie
saw some small creature dart by on her way home on Halloween
night. She at first thought it was a rodent or a cat, but then
from the shadows Nala came running, returning to her home away
from home, NOLA Animal Clinic. Nala’s return reminded us
of our own rebirth, both as citizens of New Orleans and as a
clinic. We think of Nala coming out of the shadows that night
when times get hard and the repairs seem and endless and near
impossible, and she reminds us that we will always pull through,
and in the end return home, back the way we were.