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Meet Betty
updated: Sep 01, 2012, 9:00 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

I adopted Betty (aka Betty Boop) several months after Hurricane Katrina devastated her hometown in St. Bernard's Parrish, New Orleans in 2005. Betty was one of hundreds of dogs rescued from the streets and levees weeks after the hurricane- shes a true survivor. Betty arrived in my home in Santa Barbara along with several other Katrina survivors -- dog, cat and human.

Almost immediately, Betty adapted to life in Santa Barbara like a champ- she took to the trails at Elings and Wilcox, and Hendry's Beach, like a native. She patiently served as a "foster sister" to almost twenty foster labs and lab mixes who stayed with us for varying periods of time. In the past six months, Betty at about 12 yrs of age, developed congestive heart failure, and passed away in July of this year. However up until the last day, she insisted upon getting up, and out, and walking and exploring the scents and sights of Santa Barbara. We were lucky that she landed here.

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Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

TIBBLY	2012-09-01 09:10 AM
Beautiful girl. Thanks for sharing...
COMMENT 314901	2012-09-01 09:44 AM
Rain? Bring it on, she says!
COMMENT 314919	2012-09-01 10:55 AM
Betty and I were friends from the moment we met, which was soon after she came to CA. She has always been my favorite, both for her good looks and charm and her ability to survive and adapt. I will always remember her with love.
COMMENT 314921	2012-09-01 11:06 AM
Betty was such an optimist, and she spread that happy spirit to all the dogs and people she nurtured. She lives on in our hearts.
COMMENT 314927P	2012-09-01 11:37 AM
Beautiful dog and beautiful story. Glad she had an easy passing and 7 good years with you.
COMMENT 314944	2012-09-01 12:39 PM
Thanks for sharing. What a lovely dog, and lovely owner she had. In a series of coincidences...my dog was also a Dog of the Week [http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=63769] , a regular at Hendry's, and a Katrina survivor, and from St. Bernard Parish and obviously she was in the same rescue camp as Betty (a photo of Molly there [http://tinyurl.com/mollydog] taken about 30 dogs prior to Betty). Wow! Small world! Best wishes.
COMMENT 314965P	2012-09-01 01:53 PM
Librarian, wow, sounds like Molly was on the same rescue trip as Betty was from Camp Lucky. Betty ended up at the SB shelter. These were miracle dogs, and we were blessed to have them in our lives. Im sure you savor every moment with her, as I did with Betty, thank you for sharing her story. Thanks everyone for your comments From Mary, Bettys "person"
COMMENT 314992	2012-09-01 02:57 PM
I think "Betty" is such a great name. "She's a real Betty" means "she's a real hottie." Comes from the old Archie comics, I think. Lovely Betty. An apt name. I am happy she gave you so much love.
SBJULES	2012-09-01 04:06 PM
You must miss her. I'm so glad you rescued her.
BULLSEYEB	2012-09-01 06:45 PM
Awwww, how lucky you both were to have come together for the last years of her life. I am sure you helped her through a very difficult transition and ultimately made her feel safe and loved. Thank you for sharing your story.
ROGER DODGER	2012-09-01 10:39 PM
Thank You for sharing that story she was a beautiful doggie.
OLDLAWOMAN	2012-09-02 08:36 AM
Awww, heartwarming story of a special dog and her human.
FLICKA	2012-09-02 08:55 AM
Great story, lucky dog.
SEEDLADY	2012-09-02 09:00 AM
Look at the life in those eyes. Looks like she may have had some McNab in her heritage. thanks for sharing her special life with us.

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