diana b. eastman

In Tails of Triumph: Animals Tell Their Katrina Stories, pet whisperer and disaster responder Terri Steuben shares what the animals told her about "the day the water came." For two weeks, Terri kept a journal of her experiences with The Humane Society of the United States as she found and rescued animals in the muddy rubble of New Orleans. Dogs, cats, horses and other creatures that survived Hurricane Katrina and the flooding talked to her about their determination, resourcefulness and, ultimately, freedom.

Terri’s experience and training, along with her special ability to telepathically communicate with the animals, made her a valuable addition to the rescue team. In the book, she shares what the pets told her about swimming in the flood water, rationing food and comforting each other as well as their joy at being saved and reunited with their owners.

You'll read, in their own words, the stories of:

• The dog that roamed the streets for food and took mouthfuls back to a little buddy who couldn't leave their house
• The cat that broke into a kitchen cupboard to get to food and lived quite nicely off of toaster pastries
• The guard dog that didn't want to be rescued because he needed to stay and keep his house safe, only to finally get outside and realize most of it had washed away
• The white horse that waited patiently for weeks for her daddy to find her, and almost broke down the stall when she sensed him coming up the road
• The cats that rationed food and water to make it last, just like their mom told them to do
• The 500-pound pig that weathered the storm and danced with her mama and papa in the backyard
• The fighting dog that wouldn't fight and was chained under a house without food or water for more than three weeks, then was saved and adopted by a caring, new owner

These courageous animals lived through a nightmare and never gave up. There's much to learn from them about what our pets think and feel, and the depth of the loyalty and love they have for us. Their words will inspire you and help you better understand all animals. Thanks to Terri Steuben's insights and storytelling, you'll laugh, cry, and see your own pets in a wonderful new light.