Katie Daly
Updated on: October 16, 2024 12:03 pm GMT
During a recent storm in North Carolina, a group of brave neighbors waded through chest-deep floodwaters to save stranded pets, demonstrating the strong bond between humans and animals.
Neighbors Unite in a Time of Crisis
Bravery Amidst the Flood
When Hurricane Helene struck, residents in Hendersonville, North Carolina, experienced extreme flooding within a matter of minutes. Videos captured by David Rhode show neighbors standing in brown, murky water as they worked together to rescue a cat and two dogs from potential drowning. This neighborhood, located south of Asheville, faced approximately four months’ worth of rain in just three days.
- A quick clip from Rhode’s video shows the floodwater rising alarmingly high outside his front door.
- Inside, pets were found floating amid debris like mattresses and chairs.
- A woman was seen cradling a cat while another kept watch over two small dogs atop a coffee table.
The video showcases just how quickly the situation escalated, leading Rhode to express concern about their safety, saying, “We gotta think about getting out of here.”
Animal Shelters Step Up
Aiding Shelter Pets
The devastating effects of Helene weren’t limited to humans. Many animals were also caught in the chaos. Local shelters stepped in to help, especially in Asheville, where flooding severely impacted shelter operations. The Humane Society of Charlotte has played a crucial role by temporarily taking in displaced animals.
- Following the storm, Charlotte’s shelter received emergency transports of animals from the Asheville Humane Society, ASPCA, and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
- Just last week, they took in 14 dogs and 30 cats, all of whom are now under their care for medical and behavioral assessments.
These animals had been in the custody of foster caregivers before being relocated to Charlotte. The rescues aim to restore the lives of these furry friends until they can be placed for adoption.
How Can You Help?
If you’re moved by the efforts to rescue these pets, there are several ways you can contribute:
- Adoptions: The Humane Society of Charlotte is currently offering 50% off adoption fees until Saturday, October 5. This promotion encourages more families to welcome a new pet into their homes.
- Monetary Donations: Contributions can be made directly to the Asheville Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, or the Bissell Pet Foundation to support their ongoing efforts.
- Volunteer: Consider visiting the Humane Society of Charlotte to spend time with the animals or inquire about volunteer opportunities.
You can check available animals for adoption or learn more about how to help by visiting the Humane Society of Charlotte’s website.
Conclusion
In Hendersonville, people are really showing how much they care during tough times. When disasters happen, the community joins together to help. Some folks are wading through floodwaters to save pets, while others are welcoming animals into their homes. This kindness is heartwarming! There are still many animals that need help, and every little bit makes a difference in finding them safe and loving places to live.
