An update from The Cat Practice in New Orleans

Rebuilding lives and practices

I thought it very poignant, or just plain bad luck that the article about Dr. W. Mark Cousins' New Orleans practice appeared in Veterinary Economics just as Hurricane Katrina wiped out the city. I'd be very interested in an update. He certainly had a beautiful hospital, and I sure hope it wasn't destroyed.

     Jennifer Ewoldt, DVM, MS, DACVS

    Eldridge, Iowa

    University of Prince Edward Island, '98

Dr. W. Mark Cousins, owner of The Cat Practice, responds: Progress is slow, but it's happening. The building wasn't rendered unusable, and we've reopened on a very limited basis. The facility suffered roof and chimney damage and is still moist inside, which causes a mold problem. Although phone service seems to be holding, the water isn't potable, the utilities are shaky, and sewerage is iffy. Much of our inventory was destroyed; the major pharmaceutical companies have been amazing in their support, though. The other bad news: Much of my staff, as well as a lot of staff from many other veterinary hospitals in the area, didn't return. I'm desperately seeking a certified technician to live in the practice's third-floor apartment.

And, of course, the population density in the area has dropped to about 10 percent of what it was before Hurricane Katrina. I hope people will come back. I know that those who are left-including me-are very determined to bring back not only this practice, but the neighborhood. This tragedy is different than the fire. After the fire, I knew my client base was still intact and just waiting for us to re-open and build The Cat Practice bigger and better. Now, many of those wonderful people have sought greener pastures, the loss or devastation of their homes and businesses too upsetting or severe to come back to. I truly understand their feelings. Recovery after this tragedy will take longer and will be extremely challenging from an economic perspective. But, even in tragedy, there is opportunity.

So please let Dr. Ewoldt and all the other readers who've so graciously expressed their worries about The Cat Practice know that it will be back. The care and concern expressed by so many sustains us and focuses our resolve. And we open our arms for readers to visit us once the city of New Orleans can support a healthy tourism trade again.

    W. Mark Cousins, DVM, Dipl. ABVP

    New Orleans

    Louisiana State University, '80