In early July, catastrophic flooding swept through Central Texas, and Hill Country SPCA — the only physical, no-kill animal shelter for miles around Fredericksburg — quickly became a lifeline for animals in crisis.

From a Quiet Holiday to an Urgent Mission

On the evening of July 4, the shelter team was preparing volunteers to comfort animals during nearby fireworks. By morning, the situation had flipped overnight.

“When we woke up, all hell had broken loose,” said Andrew Davis, executive director of Hill Country SPCA. “We had to ask ourselves, ‘What’s our next move? Who needs us right now? Where can we be most useful?’”

Within hours, staff members were out in the field alongside emergency crews, searching for missing people and pets. After posting an Amazon wishlist, the shelter was overwhelmed by community generosity.

“An Amazon van pulled up packed to the brim with supplies — every single package was for us,” Davis recalled. “Locals were showing up with donations and offering to volunteer.”

A Tiny Survivor on the Top Shelf

One of the most extraordinary rescue stories came from a flooded home where a small Chihuahua survived by climbing to the highest shelf of a bookcase. The water rose to just inches beneath her head before stopping.

“It’s chilling to think about what she endured,” Davis said. “If the water had risen any further, the outcome could have been very different.”

Her feline housemate escaped during the storm but returned two days later, muddy and shaken. Both animals are now safe in temporary housing while their home is rebuilt.

The Emotional Toll and Ongoing Recovery

Since the disaster, Hill Country SPCA staff have faced the emotional extremes of rescue work — the joy of saving lives and the heartbreak of seeing destruction up close.

“It’s compassion fatigue,” Davis explained. “You can go from happy to devastated in a matter of seconds.”

While the shelter currently has plenty of donated supplies to share with other shelters and displaced pet owners, financial support remains critical for ongoing rescue operations and veterinary care.

A Call for Support

Davis says that beyond donations, even small gestures of appreciation mean a lot.

“If you see someone working in animal rescue, just tell them, ‘I see you. Thank you.’ It makes a difference.”

Monetary contributions help provide food, shelter, and medical treatment for animals like the resilient Chihuahua and her cat companion — giving them and many others a true second chance.