We were able to trace the number to Shea and Bret Tessitore of Chalmette, La.

NPR: A Happy Ending for Lady and Sasha

Her house in Chalmette, Louisiana, just outside New Orleans, has water up to the roof.

CNN: Starting fresh

But with Chalmette largely deserted after the storm, there was no telling where the Tessitores were now.

NPR: A Happy Ending for Lady and Sasha

The Tessitore's also recognized the other dog, Sasha, as belonging to their Chalmette neighbors, Linda and Timmy Hebert.

NPR: A Happy Ending for Lady and Sasha

Bob Schmidt of Arabi, Louisiana, made his way here from a ferry in Chalmette, and before that he couldn't really remember.

NPR: Evacuating New Orleans �� But to Where?

Dr. Bong Mui and his staff, evacuated with 300 patients after three hellish days at Chalmette Medical Center, arrived at the New Orleans airport, and were amazed to see hundreds of sick people.

CNN: Leadership vacuum stymied aid offers