Today, we are all focusing our thoughts and prayers on the many people struggling through the tragic floods caused by Hurricane Harvey.
The New York Times reports that Harvey affected much of southeast Texas, but that Houston, the fourth-largest city in America, was hit especially hard.
Houston is the most populous city in the southern United States. It has notoriously flat topography, making it vulnerable to flooding.
Thousands have been affected by the flood, and those who are less fit and able remain especially vulnerable — like the senior citizens rescued from the waist-deep water in their nursing home.
Dogs have also been trapped by the flood. Many people have fought to evacuate with their pets, but others have been forced to leave beloved pooches behind, often with a sign to alert rescuers.
Lucky for the dogs, there are plenty of people who are hard at work, making sure that no dog gets left behind.
This incredible photo was shared on Facebook’s Love What Matters page by a woman named Betty Walter.
She writes:
To these amazing guys that helped me and some of my neighbours’ dogs that I rescued. I was worried there were too many dogs on the boat and it would tip over. I told them I would stay behind and for them to make 2 trips.
They said, ‘NO, we are taking all of you.’ We had 21 dogs on this boat. No place for any humans on this boat. We had to walk in water over my head to get out.
The team refused to leave Betty, who selflessly offered to stay behind for a second trip back.
The photo has made quite a buzz on Facebook, and users are quick to send warm wishes:
I can’t LOVE this post enough. Thank you to ALL for saving lives…. 2 legged and 4 legged! May God Bless you forever.
Your good karma will be returned. Thank you! We are collecting supplies for our animal friends here in Colorado to send down your way.
Others have shared the photo, too, calling the group of selfless first responders the “Dog Rescuers Of Houston.”
They are far from alone in their efforts to help save the four-legged citizens of Houston.
Many other groups of rescuers are out as well, working hard to save human and canine survivors alike.
The New York Times reports:
A woman in Corpus Christi said on Twitter that she took in her neighbour’s dog left in the backyard. A photographer for The Daily Mail rescued a dog he found chained to a pole in Victoria, waters rising around him, the paper reported. In Dickinson, a CNN reporter spotted two retrievers abandoned in a boat.
In short, everyone out in the streets right now, from reporters to first responders, is lending a hand to help rescue the scared, trapped animals of Houston.
FOX 26 Houston also covered the story and gave helpful information about the work, which is far from done:
INCREDIBLE DOG RESCUE: Betty Walter and a team of neighbours and volunteers rescued 21 dogs from floodwaters. BUT there are others that still need help! Tall Tails Rescue and Transport and 70+ of their evacuated dogs are at Whites Park Pavillion, I-10 East, Exit 61, Anahuac. They need food for themselves and the dogs, bowls, leashes, and clothing. Their remaining 15-20 dogs and 6 pigs are at 413 Speights Loop Rd, Hankamer, TX 77560. Stranded after dam release upriver.
And don’t worry — no cat is being left behind either, for anyone concerned about the well-being of our other furry friends.
Rescuers are rounding up every animal they can, from household pets to roaming cattle.
Efforts like this just go to show that people can rally together to do good in the face of disaster.
One Facebook user, who was touched by the photo of the modern-day Noah’s ark, shared pictures of her own husband helping the four-legged cause in Houston.
It’s comforting to know that, in the toughest moments, people are always inclined to work together and be part of the solution.
The many good souls out there rescuing the people and pets of Texas represent the best instincts of humanity.
If you want to help the cause, consider donating time, money, or supplies to one of the many relief organization helping out the people of Texas.
The Red Cross and the SPCA of Texas are both taking disaster-relief donations, as are many other smaller organizations. You can find a more extensive list of relief organizations here.
If you know someone who might like this, please click “Share!”
