The Bark & Bite

Hurricane Harvey began pounding the east coast of Texas late at night on August 25th. Over the course of only a few days, the storm dumped between forty and fifty inches of rain in some areas of Texas and left eighty-three  dead, hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses flooded, and billions of dollars worth of damage in its path. Upwards of seventy thousand people have been rescued as Texas and other affected areas are beginning the recovery process.

Despite the damage and destruction, first responders, relief organizations, and ordinary people came together to rescue those stranded and trapped in the floodwaters and help people affected by the storm. The Cajun Navy, a group of volunteers formed after Hurricane Katrina, deployed into Houston and southeast Texas with boats and brought a number of people to safety. In two separate acts of heroism, Houston residents formed human chains and fearlessly marched into the floodwaters to help their neighbors in need: in one instance, to guide a woman in labor to a truck to be driven to the hospital, and in the other, to save an elderly man trapped in his SUV. Seven employees of the El Bolillo bakery spent their two days trapped in the building baking bread for those in need.

Not only were humans trying to endure the storm, but their pets found themselves caught in the hurricane. Animal shelters and veterinary clinics worked day and night to provide care and shelter to animals and have them returned safely home. A photo of Otis the dog went viral as he was seen wandering the streets of Sinton, Texas. Otis eventually returned safely to his owners.

Michelle Ingram, director of Zeus’ Rescues, an animal shelter in New Orleans, wasted no time trying to save animals. She knew firsthand that animal shelters would need to quickly evacuate because she had to evacuate her own shelter in 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina. Many of the animals in her care were put into foster homes to make room for incoming animals.

"I started making calls and saying 'Hey, I have room. Let's save some lives,'" said Ingram.

Zeus’ Rescues took in more than a hundred animals and likely saved many critters’ lives.

Harvey has caused a great deal of pain, suffering, and destruction and recovering will take years. President Trump and members of Congress have promised aid and assistance. Communities and people from all over the world have done their part to help those affected by this disaster.  The country has dealt with these disasters before, and all indications show the country will recover again.