Rhode Islanders rescue Houston animals in Harvey’s aftermath

September 1, 2017 11:17 pm

By John Krinjak

Email: jkrinjak@abc6.com

Twitter: @johnkrinjakABC6

HOUSTON, Texas (WLNE) — We spoke via Skype Friday night with Milka Tolich of Providence, and her friend Keila Sanchez, who’s originally from Newport, but now lives in Houston.

Last week Tolich flew to Houston for Sanchez’s bridal shower–then Hurricane Harvey struck. Tolich was stuck there.

But instead of hunkering down, the two ventured out to save some of the countless animals left behind by the floods.

Texas has seen tens of thousands of water rescues since Hurricane Harvey struck.

But as people are carried off by boat or helicopter, often times animals have to be left behind–fending for themselves in the floodwaters.

"Animals keep us happy. We love to take care of them. They actually make us very ahppy. And the fact that we’re very independent, we can call for help…and people can donate to us, but no one is thinking about how much animals have been left behind," said Sanchez.

Tolich and Sanchez saw this need–and have spent the past several days rescuing animals who survived the storm, or those given up by people who’ve lost everything.

"Actually one gentleman, he surrendered his dogs to us because he didn’t feel he could take care of them, which was pretty noble on his part," said Tolich.

Among the animals they’ve saved–dogs, cats, even horses.

"Basically we saw a horse that was kind of on the road and on the grass. It wasn’t in a fenced in area. It wasn’t around hay. It had a rope around its mouth and just eating hay," said Sanchez.

Working with an animal rescue organization, Tolich and Sanchez have saved eight animals so far.

"I’m the kind of person, I want to get up and go. And you’re here, you might as well help out," said Tolich.

Tolich’s trip was only supposed to last a few days. She’s now been there a week. She has to leave Saturday for work, but Sanchez plans to continue the rescue efforts this weekend.

Photos courtesy Keila Sanchez