Chicago Welcomes Dogs Rescued from Texas Floods

When waters rose across Texas, leaving homes underwater and families scattered, dozens of dogs were caught in the chaos. Now, after a long and uncertain journey, 31 of those pups have landed in Chicago, carrying more than just muddy paws. They brought with them a quiet story of survival.

From Flooded Shelters to the Midwest

The rescue effort began with shelters in Austin and San Angelo, Texas, bracing against severe storms that flooded entire neighborhoods. As human rescue teams worked tirelessly, so did animal welfare groups.

Organizations like Austin Pets Alive! and Concho Valley PAWS stepped in, teaming up with PAWS Chicago to relocate dogs from flood-stricken shelters. The goal? Free up space back home for pets newly displaced or separated from their owners.

A Long Ride to Safety

The dogs, ranging from tiny 6-week-old puppies to fully grown adults, were first flown to Waukesha, Wisconsin, before volunteers drove them over 3 hours to PAWS Chicago’s Medical Center.

Eileen Johnson, one of the drivers, said the animals were tired, messy, and scared, but still calm. Volunteers watered the pups and checked on them often. Despite a tough few days, these dogs handled the journey like champs.

Medical Care Before New Homes

Once in Chicago, the dogs received vaccinations, microchips, and medical exams from PAWS staff led by Dr. Melissa Goodemote. Each dog will also be spayed or neutered before moving on to either a foster family or a permanent home.

Officials shared that they’re not ready for adoption yet, but many will be soon. Foster families are urgently needed while they wait for clearance.

Cleaning Up for the Ones Left Behind

This is not PAWS Chicago’s first time stepping up during a crisis. The group has a history of disaster response, going back to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Their goal now is not only to rescue dogs, but to make room in Texas shelters for the thousands of animals still missing or waiting to be reunited with their families.

A Community That Cares

Sarah McDonald, Community Relations Director at PAWS, shared the emotion behind the mission. “Seeing those images coming out of Texas… we had to do something,” she said. That “something” turned into a coordinated response involving several groups, hundreds of miles, and people giving up sleep just to drive scared dogs to safety.

Volunteers like Peter Brown described the scene: four rescue teams working together at the airport, each lifting crates of anxious animals into vans. “They’ll find homes here,” he said, holding onto hope for every one of them.

My Thoughts: A Reminder That Pets Are Family Too

Watching disaster coverage often focuses on buildings and roads. But it’s stories like these that remind us pets are part of the family, and they hurt and wait like we do. It’s not just about finding homes for animals. It’s about giving them a second shot at a full, safe life.