Hartz Mountain vets caring for Katrina's tail-wagging victims

Hurricane Katrina's four-legged victims are being treated this week by a Secaucus-based company.
The Hartz Mountain Corporation, a pet products company, is examining 100 dogs that were left behind in Baton Rouge, La., after Katrina hit. The dogs were gathered by the American Kennel Club and brought to Madison in Morris County on Oct. 2.
"The AKC airlifted them and brought them to St. Hubert's facility in Madison," said Dr. Jill Richardson, director of consumer relations at Hartz.

More than 20 veterinarians - 10 of whom are on staff at Hartz - and volunteers went to St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center to examine the dogs.
"We had 20 dogs in a room and they were very quiet on the first day," said Richardson.
After a few days of rest, they gained back their strength and are "not so quiet anymore," she said.
The dogs were given X-rays and treated for fleas and heartworms and are currently under quarantine until this weekend.
"They're all really good dogs," said Richardson. "These pets are all smiling, they're very happy."
Since the owners of the dogs have either relinquished ownership or have not yet reclaimed their dogs, Hartz will find them new homes in at an upcoming adoption event in Madison. Pictures of the dogs will be posted on the Web site petfinder.com for owners who want to reclaim their dogs.
Hartz will donate a gift basket filled with pet supplies for every adopted dog, said Richardson. A date has not yet been set for the adoptions.
In addition to the supplies Hartz sent to treat the quarantined dogs, the company donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief.