I thought they would all be safe...part 4

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I have a friend who lives in Liverpool. Just her and her mother. So we are staying with her. Jody has a friend who lives nearby. My friend has no transportation...depended on me to take her places. She lives about 2 miles from me. The horses are a mile in the other direction.

This morning Jody's friend took us down to where the water has come up. We borrowed a canoe and paddled to the house. Nara had told me....do not go back until the water falls. Like I am going to leave my dogs and cats that long!

The canoe was much easier to maneuver than the skiff we took yesterday.

I had also left 4 kittens in a basket on the bed. When we left, several of my dogs were on my bed. I was afraid the kittens would ,get out of the basket, jump off the bed and drown. I was afraid one of the dogs would jump on the desk and knock it in the water and drown the coon. I was afraid the baby squirrel would be dead because he hadn't been fed.

The little squirrel was dead. Miraculously the coon was okay. The kittens were out of the basket, but sitting on the bed with the dogs. At least 3 of them were. The 4th was a few weeks younger and no where to be found. I can only assume she drowned.

The water had gone down so it was about 14 inches deep. Inside of the house looked like s bomb had gone off. We have a new side by side refrigerator freezer. Both sides were full of food, but it was tipped over on it's side. The upright freezer was leaning. I couldn't find any of my clothes. We threw away the food except what we could feed the dogs.

I think the water may be out of the house tomorrow and we can start cleaning up. At least the part of just throwing stuff away. All my furniture is hard wood...no particle board. All antiques. I hope it can be saved.

I brought the kittens here with me. Nara came and picked up my coon.

There is so much devastation at my house, nothing looked the same. My possum cages were under water. except for one, and it was under water except for about four inches. The possum in there was still alive so we maneuvered the canoe over there and opened the door. I couldn't do anything else for her because the current was running hard and it was under the branches of a big oak. This is a possum I released several times but she always comes back. I am sure she will never come back again after her ordeal.

So this is my last couple of days. We will get through this. One day at a time.

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

6 years ago

I really only lurk on this forum and read just a few of the posts that have subject titles that interest me. But I read with interest the saga of rescuing Val and know from other posts what a godsend to unfortunate creatures Marilyn is. And how devastating all this must be to anyone that loves animals as much as she does and is forced to see them suffer through no fault of their own. It's bad enough for all the humans that must endure the chaos, devastation and rebuilding that lay ahead but I can't imagine how awful it must be to see your own animals drown!!

While I am about as far removed from the situation in Texas and Louisiana as possible, I sympathize greatly with all you must deal with. I just can't imagine anything like this.....it is completely out of my frame of reference!

And while it is not much, I was at the local grocery store yesterday (Safeway) and there was a sign at every register stating that they were collecting for Hurricane Harvey relief and you could donate at checkout. Every single person in line did so. And since Safeway is a national chain, I can only hope their other stores across the country are doing the same and that the volume of donations can in some small way alleviate this terrible catastrophe.

We are all here to support as best we can.....emotionally and financially.

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Comments (23)

Kathsgrdn
6 years ago
I'm so sorry. I don't know what else to say. I hope you will give your okay for a GoFund Me fund so those who want to help, can.
marilyn_c thanked Kathsgrdn
DawnInCal
6 years ago
Marilyn, I am so sorry for all you've been through the last couple of days; what a horrifying ordeal. The loss of the donkeys, TueLo and the other animals is so sad. I'm so very grateful that you and Jody survived the time you spent in the water and that you were able to rescue the other horses and that most of the other animals lived through the night.

Even though you have a lot of work ahead of you, I imagine you are anxious to return home and assess the situation. Please know that you have lots of people here at the KT who care about you and who will keep you in their hearts and thoughts as you go about rebuilding. Best wishes to you.
marilyn_c thanked DawnInCal
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The water has gone down some. About half what was in the house yesterday. Still a strong current. We went back today to feed dogs and cats. Took out 3 kittens and my little raccoon. Sent raccoon to a fellow wildlife rehabbed and brought kittens here.
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sjerin
6 years ago
I'm just now reading your story, but I only see Part 2 and Part 4. It reads as a horror novel and I can't even begin to think about what you, Jody and your animals have been through; I will have nightmares tonight, and I'm only reading about it, not living it. I'm unclear as to who survived and who didn't but I sure am glad you and Jody made it out alive. I'm absolutely sick for you, Marilyn.
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PKponder TX Z7B
6 years ago
I am so glad that the dogs, coon, opossum and most of the kittens survived! Thank you for letting us know the outcome. I hope that your furniture can be saved and that you all can get replacement electronics and appliances.

Please let me know if you have a Paypal account so that we can help.
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
6 years ago
Omg! So many horrible stories but this loss of life is just heart wrenching. I think your furniture will be OK. I bought a lot of clorox wipes and used them on everything including the wood furniture. Then I got this stuff at Lowes I don't remember the exact name bit it was for wood orange and wax, wax and clean or something. I will try to look it up it worked great looks like it was before the water. Be very careful remember my staph infections! Take care.
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lily316
6 years ago
My heart is heavy for all your losses, Marilyn. There are so many sad stories that we who live far away can just feel the grief. I'm so sorry for the loss of your animals. I know you did your best. All of you have my respect for your courage.
lucillle
6 years ago
Marilyn I'm so sorry to hear about you, but glad that some of the critters and you and Jody survived.
marilyn_c thanked lucillle
sableincal
6 years ago
Marilyn - I'm another person who mostly lurks here, but I've followed your story closely; in fact, have told my family about the remarkable woman who lives on a bayou and cares for a peaceable kingdom of animals, some feral, some sick, but all of whom are welcome. I am so very sorry to hear about your losses and about what you and your husband have had to physically endure. But how happy your critters are going to be to see you back home! My prayers and constant thoughts are with you as you tackle this latest challenge. I know that you and Jody are up to it.

(((((( Marilyn ))))))
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aok27502
6 years ago
I also can't see Part 3, but I think someone posted from your FB post that you rescued the horses.

I just don't know how you folks are able to deal with all of this. I know, baby steps. But the sheer grit and determination awes me. I am thankful that much of your 'family' is intact, and that you are already moving forward.

And this might sound odd, but I am amused by the image of all of the dogs and kitties, camping on your bed. I bet they were awfully glad to see Mom!
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lgmd_gaz
6 years ago
Marilyn, I just cannot fathom how devastating this loss of your loved animals is for you. It is hurting me and I am just reading about your hardships. Hugs and wishes for things to get better soon.
marilyn_c thanked lgmd_gaz
caroline94535
6 years ago
((((( Marilyn, Jody, and all your furry, and otherwise, family. )))))

Please be safe and get any shots or medications you two need.
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OutsidePlaying
6 years ago
Reading your story, as well as Raven's, definitely personalizes what thousands of others are going through this week. I am so sad reading about what has happened to you, Jody and your animals. I am thankful you and Jody are safe. My prayer is that you can recover from this and come back strong. Stay healthy! I'm sure you know how awful the conditions can be,
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Janie
6 years ago
Marilyn I am so very sick at heart for you and Jody and your animals. There just are really no words.
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nicole___
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I read part one, then it disappeared. Part 3, I never saw. :0(

I'm glad you posted! This is all so terrible, but some of your animals were saved. You and Jody are alive. You have to take what you can get in a natural disaster. You sound like your handling everything in it's own time. Please keep us posted my friend. (((hugs)))
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ont_gal
6 years ago
Take it easy on yourself,Marilyn...you did all that you could do with such a force against you.Sending long distance hugs.......
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mamatoad
6 years ago
Marilyn, there simply are no words to describe my sorrow after reading this! Sorry just isn't enough! Please know that you, Jody and your animals are in my thoughts and prayers!
marilyn_c thanked mamatoad
share_oh
6 years ago
Tears in my eyes as I read all this... I'm SO sorry for all you had to go thru and the loss of your pets. So heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing your story.
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mare_wbpa
6 years ago
Hang in there Marilyn. I'm there for you in spirit, if not in body.
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Suzieque
6 years ago
Marilyn - I'm devastated for you. So much joy at the rescues but so much sadness at the losses of these lives. How can I help?
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Anglophilia
6 years ago
Marilyn, you are my hero.
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blfenton
6 years ago
Oh Marilyn, you and Raven and all other Texans are in my thoughts. The pictures and stories are heart-wrenching. Stay safe.
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User
6 years ago
Seconding Anglophilia. Anyone who loves animals the way you do is a hero. I think we are supposed to be stewards of creation. Every living being is somehow connected because all was made in the image of G*d. T'zelem elohim in Hebrew
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I thought they would all be safe...part 4

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

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