The HSUS’ newly formed field rescue team set up operations July 29 outsite the local humane society in Lake County, Ohio, where 600 residents fled floodwaters caused by heavy rains.

“The residents had no warning,” said Field Rescue Response Director Jeff Eyre. “The water was just there.”

Approximately 10 inches of rain filled the Grand River, 11 feet above flood stage. The sudden deluge left residents in Mentor and Painesville, Ohio, wading and swimming for safety or stranded on roofs. One man died during the disaster.

The Lake County Humane Society in Mentor asked The HSUS Central States Regional Office, in Naperville, Ill., for help after plans for a county-run, pet-friendly shelter fell through, leaving evacuees with pets with nowhere to go.

Called in by the regional office, the field team came with a 40-foot trailer equipped to provide temporary housing and care for animals, and also to serve as office space and living quarters for four to six responders. It is one of several emergency response vehicles The HSUS invested in since Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to helping shelter displaced animals and giving local personnel a much-needed break, members of the five-person HSUS team also went to look for animal victims on Sunday, July 30. Homeowners were allowed to enter the disaster area to check on their animals, but two were unable to reach their home because of the conditions. The HSUS team went on their behalf, recovering a cat who was trapped on the second floor (see photo). Lorena Rivers explained that she and her husband had been able to get their two dogs out, but had to leave their cat behind when authorities closed the area to homeowners. "The HSUS worked with the local fire department and rescued our cat," she said. "Thank you for all you've done."

In all, 72 animals were affected by the flooding. One family was thrilled to find their dog after he had gotten away from them during the floods. All but three of the rescued animals were returned to their owners. The three remaining will be held at the local shelter in the hope that they will be reunited.

The HSUS team left Ohio on Monday, July 31, having completed a successful operation. But it was clear that there are still lessons to be learned.

“Again and again, people were told that they weren’t allowed to take their animals,” Eyre said. When that happens, “other resources must be called in to help rescue and shelter animal victims. And loss of life can ensue when people refuse to leave their pets behind.”