Latest news with #AustinPetsAlive
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Hellish Texas flooding leaves 'thousands' of pets missing
Animal rescue groups are desperately searching for 'thousands' of lost pets swept away from their families and homes during the deadly Texas floods. The horrific flash floods have claimed the lives of at least 108 people as of Tuesday afternoon, and officials have confirmed the operation has shifted from rescue to recovery. As authorities continue to search for the 23 people still missing across the state, volunteers are combing through the ruins for lost pets and working to reunite them with their owners. Kerrville Pets Alive, a local animal rescue at the epicenter of the damage, has already taken in 40 animals and received 100 reports of either lost or found pets since Friday, according to the New York Post. 'We are seeing an influx of animals because the water is receding,' Karen Guerrero, founding member of the nonprofit, told the outlet. 'There are thousands of pets out there.' One pup, named Superman, was found alone on a large pile of debris after the floods killed his owner, according to partner animal rescue Austin Pets Alive. 'Fearful and aching after being swept away from his home, Superman was hesitant to trust the search and rescue crews, snapping as they were trying to save him,' the rescue said. 'With patience and a bit of dog-whispering, volunteers were finally able to earn his trust and safely remove Superman from the scene.' The animal rescue said relatives of Superman's owner are doing everything they can to get him back, and the rescue was able to put him in foster care until they are ready to bring him home. CEO of Austin Pets Alive, Dr. Ellen Jefferson, told ABC News Live teams are working around the clock to address the growing needs of hurt and lost animals. 'We are in the thick of it,' she said. 'We are triaging animals that are coming in with medical needs, injured or ill, found by good Samaritans. 'It is overwhelming. There is so much damage; it is surreal. You can't comprehend it until you see it, and it is the stuff that makes nightmares, honestly. 'But, when a pet is found, even if that pet is no longer living, and we're able to identify who it belongs to and let the people know, there's still a sense of relief.' Jefferson explained that her organization worked to relocate animals already in the shelter system before the flood, so they serve as lost and found centers. 'We need to go through the process of making sure that every pet has been identified and that the owners have every opportunity to reclaim before there is ever a hint of re-adopting,' she said. Both shelters have shared dozens of photos of the pets they've rescued in hopes of reuniting them with their owners. 'There's not a single piece of this that has been easy or simple,' Jefferson told CBS News. 'We've been trying to do a little bit of everything down there in this time of chaos and extreme need. 'The number one thing we need right now is funding. We have a lot of people working on this. We have a lot of medical care that is going into this. We have a lot of transports going out of the state. 'We are doing so many different things and we have received, thankfully, a lot of supplies. 'We're still working on medical supplies and other donations like that there's so much to do that we could always take more fosters and volunteer. So, there's really no limits to what people can provide. We need it all.' For every rescue there are dozens of more tales of heartbreak, including the story of William "Bill" Huston and his dog Sage. The owner and his dog were swept away while staying at the HTR Campgrounds. Sage's remains were discovered seven miles down the river, while Huston is still missing.
The Independent
a day ago
- General
- The Independent
How to help victims of the Texas floods
Deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, and areas around the Guadalupe River has claimed at least 95 lives, including 27 children and summer camp counselors. Search and rescue operations were ongoing on Monday as authorities continued to look for dozens of missing individuals amidst debris and floodwaters. City and county managers reported a significant outpouring of global donations to the Community Foundation, urging coordinated volunteer efforts through the Kerrville Salvation Army. Several organizations are seeking assistance, including Austin Pets Alive! for displaced animals, the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce for rebuilding, and various foundations for flood relief. Other initiatives include Kendra Scott selling a bracelet with proceeds for victims, World Central Kitchen and Mercy Chefs providing meals, and local schools and the Salvation Army collecting relief items. How Americans are helping Texas flood victims – and what you can do
The Independent
a day ago
- General
- The Independent
How Americans are helping Texas flood victims – and what you can do
and other areas around the Guadalupe River, are picking up the pieces following deadly flooding that has killed at least 95 people since last week. Search and rescue operations were still underway on Monday as authorities scoured the area for dozens of others who remain missing amid the resulting debris and floodwaters. Authorities would not give an official tally of those still unaccounted for, saying operations were ongoing and that they have received a number of fake reports. At a press conference, city and county managers said donations have been pouring in from around the world to the Community Foundation. Anyone who wants to volunteer should contact the Kerrville Salvation Army and register. 'We need focused and coordinated volunteers. Not random people just showing up and doing what they do,' Mayor Joe Herring told reporters. 'We need to work together.' So, how can you aid flood victims? Here are some ways to help... Donate to help displaced pets Non-profit shelter Austin Pets Alive! says it needs monetary donations to support displaced pets. More than 50 animals have been transported from Kerr and Williamson counties. Kerrville and Kerr County need money The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce has set up a rebuilding and recovery fund here. You can also give to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, which was set up by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, or the San Angelo Area Foundation's disaster relief fund. Buy a bracelet Jewelry maker Kendra Scott has released a bracelet for people to buy. Proceeds from the sales will go to victims, their families and the affected communities. The Everlyne bracelet has quickly sold out, but the company is working to restock them and have them available for purchase in stores. Give a meal Restaurateur José Andrés' World Central Kitchen is on the ground helping to provide meals to grieving and displaced neighbors. They are specifically supporting the Camp Mystic community. You can donate to their efforts here. The group Mercy Chefs has also set up in Kerr County. "It's unimaginable, the damage and devastation, the loss of life, the missing people," Mercy Chefs co-founder Gary LeBlanc told WTVR. "An unspeakable tragedy for the people here." Help at a high school – or donate Alvin High School, which is located in Brazoria County, is collecting relief items. You can drop off water, hygiene items, and other supplies through Wednesday here. Humble Independent School District, in the Houston metro area, has its own drive and northwest Houston's Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District is hosting a gift card drive on Thursday. The Salvation Army's Kerrville Kroc Center has also asked for hygiene items, non-perishables, bleach, diapers and other items. Quench your thirst Two children in Fort Worth are raising money for Camp Mystic. They have a lemonade stand that was set up on Sunday, according to KDFW. They're also selling cookies.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
'Catastrophic' flooding devastates Kerrville, Texas: How to help and where to get help
At least 27 people are dead and dozens remain missing after severe storms and flash flooding swept through Central Texas — including 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a youth camp along the Guadalupe River that swelled to nearly 30 feet near the site. The death toll, which includes 18 adults and nine children, rose from 24 reported Friday night, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said during a Saturday morning news conference. Officials have not released further details about the victims as identification efforts continue. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as more storms threaten the region, with up to 10 additional inches of rain forecast Saturday. Here's how to help those in the area. For Campers: Ingram Middle School, 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025 For Non-Campers: Arcadia Live Theater, 717 Water St, Kerrville, TX 78028 Shelters for those displaced by the flooding have been set up in Kerrville at these locations: Medical shelter: First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive Kerrville, TX 78028 Congregate shelter: Calvary Temple Church, 3000 Loop 534 Kerrville, TX 78028 Notre Dame Catholic Church, 929 Main Street Kerrville, TX 78028 Schreiner University, Event Center, 2100 Memorial Boulevard Authorities advised people to call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767 if they were trying to locate a loved one. Arcadia Live Kerrville: Raising funds for emergency relief and recovery Austin Pets Alive!: Raising money, collecting donations, and organizing pet transports from Kerr County Burnt Orange Buys: Donating 100% of July profits Cabo Bob's: Donating profits from all locations on July 5 to victims in Hunt, Kerrville, and the Hill Country Christian Assistance Ministry: Provide food, clothing and financial support. Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country: Accepting donations for local response Cross Kingdom Church: Drop-off location for physical donations is at capacity. The church has started a relief fun via Venmo @crosskingdom77 or online. Description should state "relief fund." Daytripper HQ: Donating 100% of profits to flood victims El Arroyo: Matching donations up to $4,000 Hands Off Central Texas: Fundraising for mutual aid rapid response Hays County Justice of Peace Precinct 2 (Kyle): Accepting food and supplies donation from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday. Drop-off location is 5458 FM 2770 in Kyle. Jester King Brewery: Collecting essential goods through Sunday for Kerrville Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: Established by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to support relief and recovery. Donate here. Riverside Church of Christ: Partnering with Mercy Chefs, Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Inc. and Disaster Assistance Church of Christ to provide hot meals, water and emergency supplies. Rockin' R River Rides: Matching donations up to $4,000 Southern Oaks Church: Organizing a supply drive TEXSAR: Supporting search, rescue, and recovery efforts William Chris Vineyards: Donating 100% of online bottle sales profits through Saturday - Austin Monthly contributed to this story This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How to help in Texas floods: Where to donate after deadly flooding
Washington Post
19-06-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
3-pound puppy left in trash is rescued, now thriving
In late May, a husky puppy arrived at a shelter in Austin weighing just three pounds, about half the weight she should have been. She was fished out of the bottom of a trash can — whimpering, cold and barely clinging to life. 'The animal welfare space sees these stories constantly,' said Elizabeth Ferrer, marketing and communications program manager of Austin Animal Center. Staff reached out to Austin Pets Alive, a local animal rescue that has specialized veterinary care. When the puppy arrived at the rescue on May 26, her blood sugar was too low to read, and she was too weak to pick her head up or eat. 'She was in real critical condition, not doing great at all,' said Jordana Moerbe, the medical director at Austin Pets Alive. 'She looked pretty sad; her gums were white and pale.' Staff placed an IV catheter in her leg to hydrate her and raise her blood glucose levels. They also started her on antibiotics. 'We have a really good understanding of what these pups need,' said Moerbe, who estimated the puppy was about 4 weeks old, based on the size of her teeth. Moerbe said some shelters may put dogs down who come to them in this condition, because the animals need a high level of care, or because they assume it's too late. 'People don't always understand how to care for young puppies, especially when they're so small,' she said. 'With quick critical care and some time, they bounce back really well.' That was true for this puppy, who stabilized within just two days. Staff named her Kiss — 'because everyone wanted to give her a big kiss,' Moerbe said. Moerbe said many puppies arrive at Austin Pets Alive with similar stories. 'It is something that we see often,' she said. 'It's just so sad.' While it's unclear how Kiss ended up in a trash can, Moerbe believes it's possible the person who put her there thought she had already died, as a puppy that ill is barely responsive. 'You want to think the best in people,' she said. 'I could see somebody with good intentions doing that, but, thankfully, she was pulled out.' Just a few weeks after being rescued, Kiss is thriving at her new home. Angee Cornick, who lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, had been searching for a rescue dog to adopt when she came across a Facebook post about Kiss. 'I read the post, and I was like, 'This is the one; she needs us,'' Cornick said. Cornick was one of many people online moved by Kiss's story. 'How can someone do something like that to something so precious and defenseless?' she said. 'It just tugged at my heartstrings, and I nagged my husband until he acquiesced.' On June 13, Cornick brought Kiss — whom she renamed Stevie — home. 'She's a sweetheart,' said Cornick, adding that Stevie now weighs nearly six pounds. 'She's still really tiny.' Stevie joined Pepper, Cornick's 6-year-old rescue, a black lab and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. The dogs are adjusting to each other. 'Pepper is a little trepidatious, but every day, she's getting more accepting,' Cornick said. In only a few days, Stevie began showing her personality. 'She knows what she wants, because she has already started barking,' Cornick said. 'She has already learned to use the doggy door.' Stevie also has a favorite activity: 'She loves to chew on our toes,' Cornick said. Cornick said she is easing Stevie into home life, but she has big plans for her. 'This little girl is going to get so much love and attention and care, and all of the experiences that she deserves,' she said.
