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Texas Flood Animal Rescue Efforts Reunite Pets with Their Families
Guest Contributor
In the aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Texas, a wave of compassion has emerged from the chaos. A volunteer organization, Kerrville Pets Alive, has stepped up to help reunite displaced pets with their families and provide care for animals left orphaned or injured by the disaster. As floodwaters recede across the Hill Country, the group has seen a sharp increase in the number of missing and found pets, highlighting the emotional toll natural disasters take not only on people, but on their beloved animals as well.
The floods, described as once-in-a-generation, have claimed over 100 human lives. Amid this devastation, volunteers have been combing through wreckage and debris, searching for signs of life among the rubble. According to the organization’s founding member, Karen Guerrero, the number of displaced animals is growing daily. “There are thousands of pets out there,” she told The Post. Since the flooding began, Kerrville Pets Alive has taken in 40 animals and received 100 reports of either lost or found pets.
Animal rescue efforts in disaster zones are always challenging, but the urgency and scale of this situation have made the task even more daunting. Volunteers are not only hoping to reunite pets with their owners, but also working to care for animals whose families may have perished. Tragically, the group has already recovered about 20 deceased pets. The emotional weight of this work is profound. One volunteer, Kelly Kirby, shared her experience of finding a dead Cockatiel near the river. “This was somebody’s baby,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Kirby, a 50-year-old from San Antonio, chose to focus on animal recovery rather than human search efforts, acknowledging the emotional toll. “I didn’t think I had the heart to help on the human side,” she said. “But I know I can help on this side.” Her words underscore the deeply personal motivations driving these volunteers, many of whom are locals or have family in the affected areas.
One particularly poignant story involves a Whippet who survived the floods but lost her owners. Described as “brave” by rescuers, the dog is now being fostered by Lauren Singleton, a 33-year-old teacher from Kerrville. Singleton, who already has pets of her own, did not hesitate when she learned help was needed. “She’s so sweet, too. She’s been giving me kisses,” Singleton said, noting the dog’s timid nature. The Whippet will eventually be placed with a breeder, but for now, she has a safe and loving environment. “I’m happy she’s not going to be in the kennel,” Singleton added. “She will have a safe space to go lay down and have a good night’s rest.”
Reuniting pets with their families remains the group’s top priority. So far, about 15 animals have been successfully returned to their owners. Volunteers continue to search, often calling out and whistling in hopes of coaxing frightened pets from hiding. The process is painstaking, but the moments of reunion offer glimmers of hope in an otherwise somber landscape.
Looking ahead, Kerrville Pets Alive expects to have around 50 dogs and 50 cats available for adoption. For those animals whose owners cannot be found or who did not survive, the organization is working to find them new homes. The sheer volume of displaced pets underscores the importance of emergency preparedness that includes plans for animals. It also highlights the critical role community-based rescue groups play in disaster response.
What struck me most was the resilience shown by both the animals and the volunteers. In a time of immense grief and loss, people like Kirby and Singleton are offering comfort and stability to creatures who cannot speak for themselves. These efforts remind us of the deep bonds between humans and their pets, and how those connections endure even in the face of tragedy.
As recovery continues in Texas, the work of groups like Kerrville Pets Alive serves as a powerful testament to compassion and perseverance. Their mission, while emotionally taxing, offers a sense of purpose and healing for both the volunteers and the community. Each animal found, each reunion made, is a step toward recovery—not just for the pets, but for the people who love them.