NC Dog Who Survived Hurricane Helene Finds New Home After Struggling in Shelter
BOONE, North Carolina — A resilient dog named Tex, who once “swam through a hurricane” to survive, is finally getting her second chance after a rocky stay in a North Carolina shelter. Her story — marked by trauma, survival, and hope — ended in adoption on June 27, giving her a fresh start on a spacious farm with four other dogs.
A storm, a flood, and a surrender
Tex, a 3-year-old dog, first gained attention after surviving Hurricane Helene, which brought destructive flooding to parts of the Southeast in September 2024. Her family, along with Tex, escaped by swimming to safety — but the experience left a mark.
“She used to love water,” said Danielle Deschamps, communications coordinator at the Watauga Humane Society. “After the flood, she wouldn’t go near it. It’s like the storm stole something from her.”
Eventually, her family relocated — but Tex began repeatedly escaping their new yard. Unable to keep her safe, the family made the heartbreaking decision to surrender her.
Shelter struggles and hope for healing
Tex’s transition to shelter life in Boone, a town roughly 85 miles west of Winston-Salem, was far from smooth. She was adopted once but quickly returned. Shelter staff described her as not “wild,” but misunderstood — full of spirit and longing for connection.
“She trembles in her kennel, flinches at loud sounds,” Deschamps shared. “But outside, she softens. She runs with purpose. She leans into you. She still believes in people.”
Tex spent two months moving in and out of the shelter. Staff described her as a “gentle-hearted survivor,” and her story was highlighted in a heartfelt Facebook post from the shelter in hopes of finding her a new home.
A happy ending at last
That hope became a reality when Tex was adopted into a loving home with 30 acres of fenced land to explore, four dog siblings, and — most importantly — a safe space to live indoors again.
“We’re over the moon,” Deschamps said in an email to McClatchy News. “It’s truly a wonderful situation, and we’re feeling incredibly hopeful that this is the perfect fit for her.”
What’s your take on Tex’s story of survival and second chances?
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