Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans on August 29th, 2005. This storm made landfall as a powerful Category Four hurricane. The City of New Orleans avoided a direct hit from the storm. An extra large surge of water followed this very strong hurricane.

    The force of the water surge damaged the levees. Water flowed through the breaks in these walls. Walls to keep water out also keep water in. The pumps to get the water out failed. Low elevation areas were quickly flooded. Some parts of New Orleans were soon under ten feet of water.

    People had to flee without their pets. Many would not return. Some would make it back weeks later. Thousands of pets were left behind. This is the story of one family pet's journey.

    You can call me Lucky. I am a dog living in the city of New Orleans. New Orleans is in the state of Louisiana.

    New Orleans is located on the banks of a river. It is a river city. The river is called the Mississippi. The Mississippi River is big, wide and muddy. The Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico at New Orleans.

    We live in the Ninth Ward area of New Orleans. The Ninth Ward has been around for a long time. The houses are older. Ours has a fence around the back yard.

    We often cook on the backyard grill. I watch carefully for food to fall off the grill. When food falls, I grab it and run.

    The kids and I play fetch with my ball. Playing fetch is fun. Going for a walk is fun. I am on a leash outside the yard. I got a new squeaky toy for my birthday. I am now two dog years old or fourteen human years old. Life is good in New Orleans.

    A big, scary storm happens. The storm is so strong. There is lots of rain. There is lots of lightning. There is lots of wind. Trees are knocked to the ground. House roofs are torn off. Fences are blown down.

    The wind blows open a door to the backyard. Before anyone notices, I go outside. The wind has blown down the fence around the yard. This is my chance to look around.

    Should I leave the yard? I am supposed to be on leash. A little look around would be fun. I make a decision. I walk over the fence and down the street.

    It is a big mess in our neighborhood. There are big trees lying on the ground. There are branches on roofs. Cars are overturned. The damage goes as far as I can see. There is danger all around.

    Hurricane Katrina has made a great big mess. It appears the worst is over. I am several blocks from home. Time to head back to my family.

    Before I can get home, the levees break. Water comes rushing into the city. The levee walls can't hold the water back. There is nothing to stop the flooding. The water gets in everywhere. Homes fill up with water and mud. Cars fill up with water. It is really awful.

    I finally get back to my block. I can only see the top of my house. The rest of my house is underwater. My family is gone. I don't know where they went. I hope they are safe.

    My little walk is not turning out well. Now what should I do? Do I stay around until my family returns, or take off?

    I decide to stick around. It is scary to be alone. I do not like being alone. I like my family to be around.

    I need to be a brave dog. I must find a way to survive. I need to wait for my family. I need to find food. I haven't eaten for a very long time.