Operational Challenges – Determining the number of missing individuals proved challenging due to the numerous campgrounds along the river, which had been populated by holiday vacationers, as well as several children’s camps that were destroyed. Per operational guidance, photographs of the most severely affected areas – particularly the children’s camp – were prohibited.

The extreme heat presented a significant challenge to both handlers and canines. Team members were diligent in maintaining proper hydration and nutrition and in carefully managing canine work-rest cycles to preserve effectiveness. The dogs adapted quickly, self-regulating their activity levels and entering the river when possible to cool themselves.

In addition to the heat, because this work was essentially wide-area involving fast-moving water, large areas of wilderness, brush and debris as well as the river/riverbank, there was also concern regarding naturally occurring wildlife such as snakes (several types of which were poisonous; local authorities had anti-venom readily available), fire ants and other insects. Even though they were hot, gaiters were a necessity.

An interesting matter came up with the ‘novel odors’ for the dogs. Disaster canines are trained mainly for disaster environments which means lots of food and human scents in the area. The search sections involved in this response had many naturally occurring odors – wild animals (both alive and dead), animal scat, dead fish and other water creatures, etc.

Canine Care and Support – The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (TEEX) established a field station at the high school in Comfort, Texas, a community that was also affected by the flooding. Throughout the deployment, canine teams had access to comprehensive veterinary services, including medical evaluations, treatment, and decontamination facilities. These resources were critical in maintaining the health, safety, and operational readiness of the dogs under challenging environmental conditions.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the individuals and communities impacted by this disaster and acknowledge the resilience demonstrated as they undertake the difficult process of recovery and rebuilding.

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