Search-rescue routes are complex, due to the swollen Cape Fear River. Rough, swift waters taper into pools, then back into deep black holes. We proceed by boat, on foot, back in the boat again… The main goal: Keep animals safe. Some are fed and sheltered in-place, others rescued from trees or literally pulled from fast currents. Whenever possible, animals are reunited with their displaced families. The team focuses on Rocky Point, NC. Kinship Circle Field Response Manager Cheri Deatsch says the area is “an island. Some homes are dry, others are completely underwater. Floodwater lines rise and fall from place to place.” Florence brings prolonged rains that cause floodwaters to rise rapidly, a swirling wall with no retreat. Families who did not pre-evacuate are forced to flee quickly. As Ethan's home fills with water, the teenager and his parents grab everything they can, in their rush to get out. But their two cats are nowhere to be found. When faced with danger and chaos, felines usually hide. Ethan's cats are terrified and though he desperately calls their names, they burrow into unseen spots above the water. The family makes it out alive, but Ethan grieves for his cats and begs rescuers to look for them. At the ruined home, Esther Regelson and Cheri Deatsch rummage through water-soaked debris. Suddenly, a golden-eyed cat with long black fur appears. Mercedes is alive! Unable to find the second cat, Porsche, Esther and Cheri leave food/water inside and outside the home, plus record to check back for the missing cat.

TINY SURVIVORKinship Circle responder Cheri Deatsch spots a tiny swimmer. Far away, yet paddling straight toward her. At closer range, the splashy form is clearly a Chihuahua — forging ahead in deep, murky waters. An initial rescue effort fails. The panicked animal snarls and snaps at outstretched arms. Cheri coaxes the dog toward shallow water, at least a quarter mile away. As the two push against the current, the dog loses stamina. She struggles to climb on debris afloat in the water. Finally, too weary to go on, the dog lets Cheri carry her to safety. The little Chi is soaked and trembling, her eyes wide with fear. But back at the team's vehicle, the dog devours a can of food and promptly falls asleep in her carrier. Later at a municipal shelter, the Animal Control Officer matches the Chihuahua to an evacuee's photo. Two of the woman's dogs were rescued from her flooded home, but the third brown Chihuahua remained missing. When she learns this may be her dog, the woman rushes to the shelter. Their reunion is filled with tears and (lots of) doggie kisses.