LAFOURCHE PARISH — Hurricane Ida’s devastation in Lafourche Parish left behind more than destroyed homes and uprooted lives — it created an urgent crisis for stray and abandoned animals. The Pawsitive Enforcement Project, led by Janet Rhodus, is on a mission to care for over 85 cats left behind in the storm’s aftermath.
“After Hurricane Ida, parts of Lafourche Parish were completely wiped out,” Rhodus explained. “Entire subdivisions were gone, apartment complexes demolished, trailer parks flattened. People had nothing to come back to, and many left without their pets, especially cats.”
Rhodus, who relocated to Golden Meadow before Ida, observed the rising number of stray cats in the parish after the storm. This fueled her passion for Pawsitive Enforcement Project – a nonprofit dedicated to animal rescue. But running the rescue has not been without its challenges.
The Growing Crisis of Abandoned Pets
Post-disaster statistics show that pets are frequently left behind during evacuations, particularly cats. After Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana SPCA reported rescuing more than 8,500 animals, highlighting the scale of the problem following major storms. For Rhodus and her team, the numbers are still overwhelming. “We all jumped in when we started seeing these wandering, hungry cats days after the storm,” she said.
While the initial aftermath brought resources like free food and supplies, those donations soon dwindled. “It just takes another disaster in another location, and the help moves on,” Rhodus shared. “Now, over two years later, we’re not getting any help. We have over 85 cats and kittens, and we’re providing the building, utilities, and staff ourselves.”
Funding Challenges and a Creative Solution
With limited outside support, Rhodus and her team have turned to creative solutions. They’ve used personal income from renting properties as Airbnbs to fund their mission. Now, they’re organizing a raffle to generate much-needed funds.
“One of the board members is donating her 1998 Jeep Wrangler,” Rhodus explained. “It’s her prize possession, with only 135,000 miles and a new paint job. She’s babied it for years, but this is the only way we can raise money. We’re selling tickets for $100 each and limiting sales to 200 tickets. The drawing will take place on Christmas Eve.”
All proceeds from the raffle will go directly to the nonprofit. “This money will help us provide for these cats and kittens, who otherwise have no one,” Rhodus said.
Hurricane Ida’s Toll on Lafourche Parish
Hurricane Ida, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm in August 2021, caused catastrophic damage across Lafourche Parish, particularly in Thibodaux and surrounding areas. Entire neighborhoods were leveled, leaving many without homes. The scope of destruction made it challenging for pet owners to return or reclaim their animals.
Rhodus reflected on the emotional toll of the rescue effort. “There’s really not much help down here, but we felt compelled to take the lead. We’re doing everything we can, but it’s a daily struggle.”
How to Help
The Pawsitive Enforcement Project is accepting support through their verified Jeep Wrangler raffle fundraiser. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased through messaging them on their Facebook page or calling Janet. For more information, contact Janet Rhodus at 225-413-4414 or visit the Pawsitive Enforcement Project’s Facebook page.
As Christmas approaches, the raffle is a chance for the community to come together to make a difference for animals left behind in Hurricane Ida’s wake.
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