Milli the dog survives hairy ordeal while family flees hurricane
Tommy Mann Jr. and Tonya Andris
The Orange Leader
ORANGE - Larry and Angie Vaughan left one crisis behind in Louisiana, but fell into another here in Orange.
The couple left the home in Metairie, La., to escape the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. They packed up their belongings, momentoes and their dog Milli and began their voyage to safety.
Their trip began at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, with a stop in Gonzales, La., to meet family members, who were also evacuating.
The family, packed into three cars, arrived at midnight at the First Presbyterian Church shelter in Orange. But, there was one problem - the pets.
"The shelter didn't allow pets. So, the City of Orange's Animal Shelter picked up the dogs and cat," Angie Vaughan said. "It was nice to have the shelter there. They are very, very nice people."
Monday morning, the Vaughans were prepared to leave Orange, when they received word their dog, Milli, had escaped from the animal shelter.
"They told us, 'Your dog escaped,'" she said.
The Vaughans, the Orange County Police Department, Matt Stevens of the Orange Animal Shelter and kind citizens helped them look for Milli.
Milli is an 8-year-old Yorkie with tan and black fur, and she weighs about 12 pounds. Angie Vaughan said she was gravely concerned because Milli is on medication for seizures.
The dog was picked up near Simmons Drive and Greene Avenue in the early morning hours on Monday by a good Samaritan who wished to remain anonymous, Milli was then taken to his house in Orangefield located off Highway 105.
"We placed an ad on the radio early this morning (Monday)," said Theresa Vardaman of the Orange Animal Shelter. "They finally ran the ad around 2:30 p.m. and they received a call at 3 p.m. from the person that found her."
The Vaughans were notified while they were at their temporary shelter and rushed back to the animal shelter to reclaim their lost family member.
"We're just so happy right now," Angie Vaughan said. "We're just thankful to have her back."
Larry Vaughan agreed.
"I cannot believe how friendly and helpful the people of Orange have been," he said.
http://www.orangeleader.com/articles...news/news3.txt
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