Volunteers Rally to Rescue Pets in Flood-Stricken Texas
Kerrville, Texas — In the aftermath of devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country, a group of dedicated volunteers has stepped up to aid lost and frightened pets. Sounding whistles across the affected landscape, they hope to coax out dogs and cats separated from their owners.
The local rescue organization, Kerrville Pets Alive, has already accepted 40 animals and received over 100 reports regarding lost and found pets since the catastrophic flooding began. Karen Guerrero, a founding member of the nonprofit group, reported on Monday, “With the water receding, we are witnessing an influx of animals. There are thousands of pets out there yearning for help.”
The organization is not only focused on reuniting lost pets with their owners but is also looking to find those pets whose owners may not have survived the floods. Distressingly, they are managing the sad duty of retrieving the remains of around 20 pets that perished in the tumultuous waters.
One uplifting story amidst the tragedy is that of a resilient Whippet whose owners tragically lost their lives. Lauren Singleton, a 33-year-old local teacher, has taken the initiative to foster this orphaned dog. “As soon as I learned they needed assistance, I stepped up to help,” Singleton shared. “She’s such a sweet dog, giving me little kisses even in her skittishness. It breaks my heart, but I’m grateful to be able to offer her a safe space.”
Once her fostering period is up, the Whippet is set to go back to a breeder, ensuring she has a good place to rest and heal. Singleton expressed her relief, “I’m comfortable knowing she won’t be in a kennel. She deserves to feel safe and loved.”
In total, volunteers expect to have around 50 dogs and 50 cats available for adoption. So far, around 15 pets have successfully been reunited with their families.
Guerrero emphasized the tireless work of volunteers, calling it “incredible.” As they continue to sort through the wreckage, the death toll from the flood has tragically surpassed 100. Rescue teams are diligently searching for survivors while also attending to distressed pets.
One volunteer, Kelly Kirby, traveled from San Antonio to assist in the search for lost animals. Holding a deceased Cockatiel, she expressed her heartbreak. “This was someone’s baby,” she remarked somberly. Kirby, who has family in the area, is determined to reunite pets with their families. “We’ve been whistling and calling out, trying to locate any animals, alive or deceased,” she explained.
For Kirby, the task of searching for human victims felt too overwhelming, saying, “I wasn’t sure I had the heart to help on the human side. I felt I could make a difference here instead.”
As the community rallies together in this time of need, the heartwarming efforts to rescue and care for lost pets shine a light amidst the darkness of the recent tragedies. The resilience and compassion of the volunteers not only provide critical support for displaced animals but also weave a strong fabric of community unity in the face of adversity.
With every dog and cat that finds its way back to its family, the community takes a step closer to healing, reminding us all of the bonds we share, both with our fellow humans and our beloved pets.
