Who’s cutting onions?
In times of tragedy, seeing miracles like this warms your heart.
The city of Kerrville, Texas, and surrounding communities are rebuilding after the catastrophic floods that occurred on the 4th of July. The Guadalupe River rose over a foot every five minutes, increasing its total height by more than 20 feet in 45 minutes. The flash flood swept through an area filled with summer camps and small towns about 70 miles west of San Antonio.
One of those camps that was severely impacted was the Christian girls’ camp, Camp Mystic. Cabins on the grounds were swept up in the flood and a number of young girls were tragically killed in the floodwaters, as was Dick Eastland, longtime owner and director of Camp Mystic, who gave his life to try and save campers.
At the time of writing, the death toll has risen to 120, and rescue efforts have moved into recovery efforts.
While many families are mourning the loss of loved ones, including Texas country artist Pat Green, some good news is emerging as families return to their homes now that floodwaters have subsided.
And one family was met with the surprise of a lifetime upon returning home.
During the flood, their home was rapidly filling with water. Once the water reached their waists, they made the tough decision to get out before they were in danger. However, one of their key family members was missing: Their dog.
The heeler had run off during the storm, and when it was time to go, they could not locate the dog, making the heartbreaking choice to leave him behind to keep themselves safe.
Within 20 minutes of them leaving to visit a neighbor’s house up the hill, their entire home was flooded with water. When the water receded, their son Cody Vlasek, a senior at Ingram Tom Moore High School, made his way back into his home and heard a noise. As he began to investigate, he was stunned to see his missing dog. Alive.
“I had to break my window. When I climbed through, I heard scratching and kind of a whimper, and so I turned my head around the corner and I saw him (the dog) just floating there in the washer.”
I can only imagine the reunion that Cody had with their dog. That is a true miracle.
While Cody and his family were thrilled to be reunited with their four-legged family member, they were also heartbroken knowing that they lost close friends and other community members.
Keep praying for Texas.
Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation Launches Fundraiser To Help Animals Impacted By Texas Floods
Helping her home state.
In times of tragedy, the country music community comes together to support those in need. We saw it during Hurricane Helene, and we are seeing it again here with many Texas artists stepping up to show their support. Many people, including Josh Abbott Band, Randy Rogers Band, and Kacey Musgraves, among others, have spoken out.
The Texas legend Robert Earl Keen announced that he will be hosting a benefit show to raise money for Kerr County, and he also announced that all proceeds from merchandise sales on his current tour will be donated to relief funds.
Additionally, Wild West Fest has announced an acoustic relief show, scheduled for July 11th, featuring Kat Hasty, Sterling Elza, and more.
While many artists are stepping up to help those in need, Miranda Lambert is also showing support for animals in need.
“Hey y’all, I just want to jump on here and say how devastated we are to hear about the floods in South and Central Texas. I can’t even come up with any words for the loss that everybody’s suffering. MuttNation Foundation is working really closely with Kerrville Pets Alive as we speak to try and get more info and figure out where the needs are to support the pet community and pet owners in this disaster.
We will have more info as it goes, but I will post what I know to post right now. So y’all join with us and try to help out as much as you can, and keep sending prayers, and I’ll keep you posted.”
Lambert and the MuttNation Foundation launched a fundraiser, which will be donated to various shelters and pet rescue organizations in the area, and have raised close to $18,000 thus far.
Lambert and MuttNation also shared resources to help animals impacted by the Hill Country floods, including where to donate or drop off food, as well as local organizations seeking volunteers.
“Thank you to everyone who has joined us in supporting Texas. Here are some ways to continue helping.”
I would not be surprised if we see some large donations from the country music community in the days to come, as more needs are identified. The flooding is beyond heartbreaking, and it’s always amazing to see Miranda Lambert and MuttNation springing into action to help the four-legged members of the community. She’s always got the backs of all the good boys and girls in this world.
As rescue efforts are still underway, our hearts are with the families missing loved ones or who have lost loved ones.
