Flood 2008-Friday

After days of destruction and tragedy, I went looking for something positive. The efforts of the Humane Society of Missouri workers, Cedar Rapids Police Department and Cedar Rapids Fire Department (along with some other local fire departments and the National Guard) to rescue pets stranded in the flooded SW and NW neighborhoods was a welcome change. I lingered too long (nearly missing deadline) hoping to see a pet reunited with their person. I was eventually reward with Joe Barger picking up his macaw, Winston. I am not really sure if Winston or Joe were more excited for the reunion.

Ely Fire Chief Randy Zbanek carries a cat rescued from a flood stricken house back to the air conditioned Humane Society of Missouri van.

Cedar Rapids police officer Matthew Denlinger calls an owner whose pet had been rescued from a flood stricken house.

Winston is reunited with Joe Barger after the macaw was rescued by a specialized team from the Humane Society of Missouri.

Some may question how the animals came to be stranded or the commitment of resources to rescue them. But for me, I am happy to see a few animals that won't be suffering and a few people that have lost their homes have been able to recover a part of their family today.-Cliff