When devastating floods swept through Central Texas in early July, the Hill Country SPCA — the only brick-and-mortar, no-kill shelter in a wide radius around Fredericksburg — quickly became a hub for emergency animal rescue.
From Fireworks Night to Flood Rescue
On July 4, shelter staff were preparing volunteers to comfort animals during the evening’s fireworks. The next morning, everything changed.
“Literally all hell had broken loose,” said Andrew Davis, executive director of Hill Country SPCA. “It was, ‘Okay, what do we need to do? Who needs us? Where can we help?’”
Within hours, the shelter team was “boots on the ground,” joining rescue crews to locate missing people and pets. Supporters began sending truckloads of supplies — blankets, towels, food, and more — after the shelter posted its Amazon wishlist.
“We had an Amazon van show up completely full, every single package for us,” Davis recalled. “Locals came in with donations and offers to help.”
The Chihuahua Who Waited Out the Floods
Amid the destruction, one of the most remarkable rescues involved a Chihuahua who survived the rising waters by climbing to the top shelf of a bookcase. Floodwaters stopped just inches below the little dog’s head.
“It’s terrifying to imagine what that Chihuahua went through,” Davis said. “The water stopped just in time.”
The dog’s feline companion escaped during the flood but returned home two days later, muddy and frightened. Both are now safe in temporary housing while their destroyed home is addressed.
More Than Just Survival
Since the floods, Hill Country SPCA has balanced the emotional highs of successful rescues with the heartbreak of destruction. Davis describes it as “compassion fatigue” — swinging from joy to sadness in seconds.
“We’re going to take care of Texans. This disaster has shown how much people rally to support each other and the animals,” he said.
Ongoing Needs for Flood Recovery
The shelter is well-stocked with donated pet supplies and is sharing them with other shelters and displaced pet owners. However, financial support is still urgently needed — not just for Hill Country SPCA’s own operations, but for continued on-the-ground rescues and veterinary care for animals affected by the flooding.
Davis says even simple words of encouragement mean the world to rescuers.
“If you see someone who’s been doing this work, just say, ‘Hey, I see you. Thank you for what you do.’ That’s huge.”
How You Can Help
Monetary donations are the most effective way to support Hill Country SPCA’s flood recovery efforts. Every contribution helps provide food, shelter, medical care, and a chance at a new life for animals like the resilient Chihuahua and her cat companion.
