NO-ACTS

NO-ACTS: New Orleans Aspen Canine Transfer and Services

-- No act of kindness is ever too small --

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mission One: Mardi Gras pups to the Mountains

- They have homes but just need help getting there!

New Orleans’ “Dogs of the 9^th Ward” saved 11 pups from under a house during Mardi Gras (hence their name). Until recently there were three little ladies left with no fosters or forever homes in their future.

Thanks to wonderful folks of ARF – Colorado though, these three girls are going to great places in Aspen.

While we plan on finding less expensive methods of transport for future trips, these sisters are flying Continental Cargo at $215 per pup, plus fees for travel documentation. Any little bit can help!!

If you want to contribute please message or email me at noacts@gmail.com with your email address and the amount you would like to give. I will then send you an email via PayPal through which you can send the funds.

Thanks so much!!

Please read more about NO-ACTS below.

While one city is nestled beneath majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the other is built along the mighty Mississippi, Aspen and New Orleans have formed quite a compassionate connection over the last few years.

Since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Aspen has routinely helped the Crescent City rebuild. Fundraisers have been held almost every season in the mountain-town to help preserve part of the city’s soul – it’s music. There have been many other cases of kindness too, such as taking in abandoned dogs in the aftermath of the storm. Now, NO-ACTS is hoping to extend this friendship indefinitely to our four-legged canine companions.

New Orleans is currently overwhelmed with the amount of neglected, abused, and abandoned animals. Numbers of strays, feral dog packs, and unwanted pets continue to rise, and the number of fosters and individuals wanting to give rescues “forever” homes seems to have fallen. There appears to be a light at the end of this tunnel though, and that is providing these innocent victims with new beginnings out West.

While there are numerous animals in-need everywhere, including those already in Aspen and its surrounding areas, it is wonderful that residents of the Aspen Valley currently seem more available to open their homes to New Orleans’ rescued canines. It is the hope of NO-ACTS that, when in pressing times, this transfer can occur.

Just over one year ago, New Orleans native, Kelly Gaus, formed a rescue group called Dogs of the 9th Ward. The small grassroots organization has saved and placed nearly 60 dogs, and continues to grow on a daily basis.

Guas currently houses all rescued dogs at her home in the Ninth Ward. Each day she is made aware of numerous cases about dogs that need help, but simply does not have the resources to save each and every one.

Her hope is to eventually create a facility with innovative boarding, fostering and rehabilitation services, but raising the necessary funds is a timely process. For now, she is trying to find homes for the dogs she can save so she can continue rescuing more.

NO –ACTS Initiatives:

• Find secure, safe and consistent modes of transport for dogs from New Orleans to Aspen
• Raise proceeds for transfer
• Develop and fund humane education and pet responsibility programs for rescue groups such as Dogs of the 9^th Ward and ARF Colorado
• Hold annual fundraisers that will support not only NO-ACTS but participating rescue groups as well, such as ARF Colorado and Dogs of the 9^th Ward

© Michelle Icahn

All Photographs Copyright Michelle Icahn , All Rights Reserved

In these photos are the three sisters heading West: Shangri La, Iris, and Muses.

Loving NOLA and being patient at the Prince of Wales 2nd Line

Nearly two weeks ago now, I went to the Prince of Wales 2nd line. It snaked along Uptown streets, starting and ending at the Rock Bottom Lounge and crossing Magazine twice. The pink and green uniforms blazed in contrast to a gray sky, and the sweet blast of New Orleans' brass music summoned onlookers to join in. Leading the way was a float carrying their queen-who sparkled in all white-and several other ladies looking striking in bright orange. It drew a crowd of their own, I'm sure. While the group of followers seemed small at first, by the time we turned left on Louisiana Ave the dancing crowd swelled over the median.

Several breaks along the way included stopping at The Sandpiper Lounge and, my most favorite of all, right in front of the renowned Commander's Palace. The narrow block of Washington Avenue between the front window's of the very upscale, nearly infamous restaurant and the wall of the well known Lafayette Cemetery No 1 was packed with paraders at the peak of performing.

The clouds had followed us all day, and by the time we arrived the wind was increasing as well. I was glad I was packing two large garbage bags to protect my camera from the downpour I expected any second but the rain continued to hold.

While I wanted to snap away at almost everything, what I usually can't help from doing, I decided to try something different at this second line. I danced along, camera ready, but not looking through its lens. I was seeing the people, embracing the amazing energy, marching to the music, and waiting for those moments. I felt connected, and in a sense more genuine in, and worthy of, capturing what I was experiencing.

I love this city. Thanks NOLA, and all you 2nd liners.

© Michelle Icahn

All Photographs Copyright Michelle Icahn , All Rights Reserved

It's Second Line Season

New Orleans is famous for its unique history and captivating culture. It oozes through the ancient architecture and narrow streets of the French Quarter that still fill with echoes of decadent laughter. Visitors can taste the city’s diverse heritage with a hearty helping of gumbo or oyster po-boy. Locals feel the friendly sense of community when a neighbor waves hello from their front porch across the way. No one can argue though that music plays one of the most instrumental roles in keeping the mesmerizing energy of the city radiating, the traditions alive, and the residents marching with heads held high.

There’s nothing like watching an approaching brass band stomp down the street; to see the twirling crowd dancing towards you getting larger and larger and to hear the screams of howling instruments getting louder and louder. There is an indescribable sense of pride that exudes from all involved: the leader, the followers, the onlookers, the musicians. Before you know it, it has arrived. You can feel the gust of excitement as the players- often dressed in colorful pastels or black, white, and gold-pass by, and become completely captured in the compelling moment so unique to New Orleans.

The music never stops. I followed this summer’s Satchmo Fest 2^nd line. When we hit Esplanade the torrential rain and growling thunder started. Some of the men wore all black suits with gold trim. We were a couple blocks in from Rampart and the leader cued for them to stop walking as part of the parade. They stood tall, drenched from head to toe, carrying the weight of their soaked suits and instruments but didn’t waver for a beat.

Second line season is here. Below are images from this past Sunday’s Black Men of Labor 2^nd Line.

© Michelle Icahn

All Photographs Copyright Michelle Icahn , All Rights Reserved