AMES, Iowa -- The true story of the fate of the pets stranded in New Orleans is told in the movie "Dark Water Rising: The True Story Behind the Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescues" that will be shown 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, in the Gallery, Memorial Union. The next night, Thursday, Sept. 21, the filmmaker, Mike Shiley, will speak at 8 p.m. in the Sun Room, Memorial Union. Both events are free and open to the public.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, more than 50,000 starving and stranded pets were left behind. Only 20 percent of those pets were ever reunited with their owners. The rest either tried to survive on the streets or died from drowning, injuries, dehydration or malnutrition.
After Thursday's presentation, Shiley will answer question and discuss human and animal evacuation plans in the event of a natural disaster.
Both events are cosponsored by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians student chapter and the College Veterinary Medicine.