I just have to say "a big thank you to all the rescue workers" for all your efforts in retrieving the animals left behind. None of us know what we would do in this event without being there! No i could not imagine leaving any of my four pets behind. Some of these people may not have had the choice if they were being rescued themselves. Some do not know any better. There is much work that needs to be done in educating people when they get pets. Yes that may seem like common sense to some of us. But there are many who don't even do a great job of taking care of themselves or children. But they are willing to take in a pet who needs a home. If they are being loved they are better off with them than homeless. Instead of complaining it would be more useful to hvolunteer your time with shelters or organizations who help the homeless pets. There are so many needs out there and not enough funds or volunteers. I tear up when i read these articles and know there is so much suffering going on. I decided to do something about it. I know i can't help every animal but i am going to try and do what i can. Please if you don't like what your reading get involved and try to be active in your community! One person can make a difference!! I hope some of you will take that to heart.

Thanks doesn't begin to cover the graditude I feel toward these wonderful, brave souls!!! So glad I'm a member of the ASPCA :)

this lady was giving away kittens in the winter outside and had over 50 kittens and I saved one and took her to the vet and found out that she was sick.Now she is better!

hey you guys are the best i am doing a reserch paper on how you guy have saved so many lives are school is going to he my story about you.i would love to help .i hope people will start caring and take chance to help somewone other than themself. self

I appreciate all that the ASPCA was able to do to help in the flood disaster. I do not appreciate the comments made about people leaving their pets behind and how they do not "care for and love" their pets. This type of disaster is not a normal event in TN. People pretty much had to make up how to help people as they went along and I believe all involved did a superb job. Being from Nashville and just happening to be in town (I live in GA now) and watching it on the news, it was crazy how much rain we got. Our yard was flooded and we have never had our yard flood, living at the top of a hill. I also own a dog who I love as a child and I also say would not leave her behind in a flood or hurricane, but really when it comes down to saving your life or your children's lives over your pets, I think it may have been a tough choice that some people had to make. The flood water rose up really high within 15 mins in some cases. I don't think that anyone should judge or say what they would and wouldn't do until you are forced to leave behind your beloved pet to save your life or the lives of others. It is just not a fair assessment to say that some people do not love their pets. I just found a few others comments that are along the same lines as mine, and I am glad that others share in my opinion. It is hard to say what you would do if you have never had to actually face a horrible disaster with your pet. It was not even a matter of shelters not taking pets, several did and a few didn't because they were in churches. If this disaster had been covered by US news you would have seen the astounding number of people being rescued by boat WITH their pets. I know in other horrible disasters people were not able to bring their pets with them if they were rescued by boat. I appreciate all that everyone has done to help the people and pets of TN. It is definitely not getting as much coverage as it deserves and there is still a long road ahead.

I want to thank all those wonderful people who put their lives in danger so that those stranded animals could be saved! Without you, many animals would have died. It is nice to know that there are such caring individuals! Thanks again!

No animal should ever be left behide, you would not leave your kids or anything that can not help it self, I don't ever understand, we had ot leave them....they so depend upon you always to take care of them always even in disasater....

In my household, it consist of myself, my daughter, and our two cats; this is my family, my cats are part of my family. I could not imagine leaving them behind, I don't think I could do it. But I'm grateful for the rescue teams through ASPCA that have saved so many lives; that if an animal owner had no choice but to leave their beloved pets behind, there are good people out there willing to take a chance to save the animals and hopefully reunite them with their owners. Thank you for all you do!!!!!!

We really need to insist that all states allow animals to come with their owners when being evacuated and that emergency shelters take pets. We pay taxes, we should be making the decisions about what assistance we get for our money. Why are we letting the authorities tell us we cannot bring our pets? They were paid with our money. If everyone said "yes, you WILL take my pets." they would stop saying no.

Wonderful work by the rescuers and I was moved by the comments from everyone. It somewhat restores my faith in humans knowing that there are still people out there who care. You are all truely beautiful people.

Your efforts are a blessing to those of us that cannot be there to help you with this important mission. Keep up the excellent work and I pray that you will be able to rescue more animals as soon as you are able to locate them. I'm sure that many have already perished, but those animals that you are able to rescue and their owners will be truly grateful.

i think it is a great thing that you people do everyday. i know it must be though but in the end sometimes it's worth it. everyone that works there is amazing i wish we had this here. great work everyone

Where did these rescues occur? Davidson County (Nashville) was not deploying any animal resources, not the local Disaster Animal Response Teams, not HSUS, or any large group. Pressure needs to be put on government leaders to utilize these groups.

THANK YOU,THANK YOU,THANK YOU.you are angels

all i know is that when corpus christi and galvestonn texas had the hurricane last year, galvesto officials practically begged families NOT to leave their pets behind and even had pet kennels available to them for transport. but MANY idiots still chose to leave their pets to drown.sorry but dont geyt a pet if you cant take care of it and that includes evacuation, its the animals who end of suffering.

I love reading stories like this, it really warms my heart! I wish i had a job like that. You guys do wonderful work, and its very much appreciated. I would NEVER leave without my pet, but i am glad you guys are there to help! God bless you!!!!

Thanks for all you do for our fiends that can not many times help themselves. It is very hard when you can not take your pets with you as was the case in Floria for many years..Finally some shelters allow pets as many seniors like myself would not evacuate because you had to leave the animals behind. I rode out a few hurricanes with my pets in not always the best place to be...to many of us they are as imnportant as others children. SHELTERS NEED TO HAVE AREAS FOR OUR PETS TOO..

Thank you and God bless you all for all your work. I am one of those who were affected by the flood, but thankfully we only sustained minor damage compared to many of our neighbors.

A deep thank you to all of those that risk their lives to help the animals, you are heros. It goes to prove without a doubt that even in this unsure often cruel, crazy world we live in there is still selflessness, compassion and humanity in mandkind. Before we judge those who left the animals behind we must remenber that sometimes there are no options for what ever reasons we may not know of. Thank the lord and the hero's that saved the animals that this story has a positive ending. Let us all take something away from this story. I know I did.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!

I would NEVER, under ANY circumstance, leave my beloved dogs, cats, horses behind...if they couldn't go, neither would I. Thank you to all the wonderful rescuers for a tough job well done.

Thank you for helping these precious animals to safety. This is what life is truely about...kindness, and helping others. You are all angels!!

Thank you and God Bless

I could NEVER leave my pet behind, I have a beagle and she is my world, as Amy said, " If I have the ability to leave and take cover, then I also have the ability to take my pet with me." I do appreciate what the family did, for it is hard to leave, but they did what they could and thanks to the ASPCA they are alive and well. One day when I become a veterinarian I can do even more than I do.

There still need to be some type of disaster plans for pets and owners to be rescued together all over the world. My pets, (dogs) are save and home. Thank God the water did not make it into my house by about a foot. I called the local sheriff when I got concerned about a creek that runs in front of my house cutting off access to my vehicle. When they finally arrived after about an hour or so. I was told, they could take me, but not my pets. I would not leave them, so I stayed. I have three personal dogs and a foster. Thank God for my neighbor, he and another guy, was at his house when the sheriff arrived and heard the conversation I had with the sheriff. Now I had heard on the news that both people and pets would be rescued. I was also given a number of the local Humane Society who was suppose to be assisting in the rescue of pets who's owners were going to a shelter. When I called, There was no live person monitoring the phones. All I got was a bunch of automated messages. And a number of the local Animal Control. I called it, but again, all I got was an automated message with an emergency number to call. I called it and left a message. Thank God for my neighbor, he and another guy strung a rope from my porch steps to my vehicle backed up to my walk bridge. I had backed it in the night before in case we had to leave, I could get my pets out. But the water rose so fast there was not time to get out before it got too high and swift. But with the rope and my neighbor and this other guy, they helped me get my three personal dogs out. We had wade through about three foot of water to my bridge and vehicle. My foster at times has some dog agression so to protect her and my dogs I had to leave her and come back for her. But I called the emergency metro number and left a message that I had left her and the door unlocked and ask for someone to get her if they could get to her before me. I never heard from no one. I had a close friend who was comming back to Nashville from visiting her son in Bowling Green KY. It was her house we went to stay over night, her husband was home. After we talked we agreed to meet at my house since it was on her way back to get my foster and her crate so we could keep her and my dogs apart. Nervers were high for everybody in volved, fear played a big factor. But by the time we met at my house, it had slight up raining and the water had gone down some, still out of the banks but less than a foot deep. It kept raining and the water was rising as we got my foster, her crate and some bedding for the dogs and clothes for me out. Wasn't sure if it would make it into the house or not. But thank God it did not.

When I read stories like these I know my $20.00 monthly gift is the best spending choice I have ever made. I only wish I could afford more. You people are the best this world has to offer!!

Thank you for all of your hard work. For these people who have lost everything it must mean the world for you to save a beloved pet. I look forward to the day when evacuations of people can include their pets.

God Bless them for rescueing the animals. These people are angels.

I don't know what to say... You do great works!!

My husband & I have been an ASPCA donor for over a year and we don't miss the $20 a month even though we are ekeing by on our Social Security benefits. If more people would donate to the ASPCA (it amounts to only $.66 per day), maybe more animals could be spayed/neutered and there would less poor strays without a loving home. We currently have 2 inside dogs & 3 outside cats, all which were strays (we lost 2 dogs to cancer) but are always looking to adopt more. Living in Tennessee, we hear alot about animal cruelty (including puppy mills), but the laws are not strict enough! A small fine and a slap on the wrist is not a severe enough punishment for these heartless ogres! They will again break the law as they know that if they are caught, it's no big deal. It breaks my heart to hear of someone beating their pet or abandoning them to fend for themselves. Write to your local lawmakers and voice your opinion to these atrocities. Someone, somewhere has got to stand up for these loving creatures! The ASPCA is a wonderful organization and they NEED YOUR DONATIONS, no matter how small, so please make a pledge today!!

As a rescue person in all the above states, I can only say, how could we not try to save the animals. I only pray I am never put in that situation, I have 4 dogs, they go with me, but if ever I had too many, and I am too old to take them with me, I know there are the persons who do save the animals, if they can and know about them.

THANK YOU for helping us (Tennesseans) in our desperate time of need!! Your genorosity and compassion is a model for the rest of America!!!

May GOD bless each and every ASPCA employee to help save all creatures large and small. It is my pleasure to donate to this worthy organization. May goodness and mercy follow you for all of your days.

I offer yet another "THANK YOU" for the job you are all doing for the people and pets of Tennessee - but we can't say thank you enough! You are all true heroes!!!

Thank you so much. May God bless you all.

I agree with Reneda. I could not fathom leaving behind ANY of my pets under any circumstances. It is ALWAYS wise to have some sort of emergency plan in place something like this happens, a plan that includes being able to save your pets as well. We have 4 dogs, 6 cats, 2 birds, a guinea pig and a snake. Not one creature would be left behind to fend for themselves or to parish. If I have the ability to leave and take cover, then I also have the ability to take them with me. I do commend the family for doing what they could to help the pets before leaving them and notifying the authorities about the situation. As a result of this, the animals were saved.

How can they say their "beloved" pets? They left them behind! This is just something that I cannot comprehend. If it's a situation so bad that YOU need to evacuate, then the animals need to be removed from the area as well. These animals aren't able to watch a weather report and evacuate. They can't run grab the car keys and head to higher ground. They depend on YOU, their guardian, to keep them safe. I can't imagine walking out of a potenially dangerous situation and leaving my cats behind to face it alone. If they can't get out, then I would be there w/them to deal w/whatever we faced. It would be like leaving a child behind to take care of themselves! Thank god there are rescuers such as yourselves to help the ones who are left behind. Without you, they would have no chance, no one to care enough to protect them.

Thank you so much for all you do! Prayers to you and everyone affected by the flooding.

I knew when I became a monthly sponsor that it was going to be money well spent. Your rescue teams are truly amazing and deserve all the Thanks and praise that is given to them and more. They truly are Wonderful people.

You are doing God's work. May He bless and keep you--and the little lives you save!

MSNBC showed a picture of two horses up to their chests in water with nowhere to go, it looked like barbed wire fencing near by, and the camera kept going back to them, but I could not find out whether they were rescued or not, could you help with this. The tears just kept coming as I watched them. One was black and white pinto the other a chestnut or light bay.

If the rescued animals could talk, their thankful words would be endless. One's "inner self," is at peace for doing good deeds. The world wold be a "better planet, if more humans folllowed your kind actions.

Great job! God bless you for rescuing these four-legged babies--and others as well. This is why we all need to support the ASPCA and its important work.

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU WHO HELP THE ANIMALS! THANK YOU!!!! ;) My family and I appreciate all of you and all you do!!!!!!!

Reneda: You've missed a very important point. This story doesn't mean that the animals' owners didn't care enough for them. Often times, people who are evacuated are not allowed to bring animals with them, depending on what shelters they go to. It's just not their choice. They may not have the time our resources to find other, animal-friendly places. It's not up to you to place moral judgment on the family without knowing the details of the situation.

I thank God everyday for those of you who risk your lives in disasters, to save the animals! You are truly angels of God for what you do. I wish I could help in these situations. I love all God's creatures,great and small.

Thank god for these animal angels who go out and rescue these animals.

I live in Regina Sk, Canada and I am so glad hear that the animals are being rescued and that there are caring people out there to take care of this for the people of Tennessee. I own 5 cats myself and couldn't imagine leaving my babies behind, but if I really had to, knowing there are people like the volunteers of the ASPCA helping Tennessee animals, HATS OFF TO EVERYONE OF YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS.

You are angels. And, for those that cannot get into the trenches, we need to contribute in any way or fashion to continue on this journey of sheparding and saving lives. God be with you all, Always.

I can not imagine having to leave my babies (pets) behind, but I do want to thank you for a job well done!

It breaks my heart that I can't go there and help! I was so touched when they said, after they were rescued, they all went to sleep. Animals are not stupid. They knew they were safe.

Thanks for all that you do. Your work is much appeciated by many people and animals.

Thank you to all who saved all forms of life - people and animals :) It warms the heart to know of your efforts and the value you exhibit in honoring all life

This story brought tears to my eyes! Bless you all for helping these poor animals who had no where to go. Clearly they understood they were safe at last when you arrived to care for them. All those who risked themselves for the sake of animals deserve our praise adn gratitude.

Thanks.....just thanks. ~cries~

Thank you for all that you do! You are angels that God has sent to save his precious creatures. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!

My hats go off to everyone volunteering to save the smallest to largest animals during diasters. You put your lives in danger and my family appreciates everything you do. Thankfully I have never found myself in need of your servies, but I know all the babies (animals) appreciate what you do.

you are amazing humans. To think what these people and animal have been through is horrifiyng!! Thank g-d there are folks like yourselves in this world!!

Thank all of you brave and caring people that saved all of the animals ! You guys are special!!

If only they could speak...you would know all that you've done. You are truly an example of god's work. YOU ARE TRULY GOD'S ANGELS!

If I were able I'd be right there, helping these people rescue these animals.

I thank God every day for the people through out our country who fight for all animals. They need all the help we can give. I'm an ASPCA SUPPORTER. Please give anything you can, even just a small amount helps. My God Bless all and be safe out there. Thank you.

Thank you for your continued compassion and committment! Please know that your dedication is appreciated!

Thanks to everyone who are out their saving the lives of these precious animals. You are doing an amazing job. God bless you all.

My God be with as you do your work. And bless you all. Job well done You can hold you head high. And keep up he good work. THANK YOU!

Our town of Dyersburg had the worst flooding in 100 years and our local human shelter was filled with rescues. One sad note however, there is a family that is living in tents now because they do not want to leave their pets and go to temporary shelter. So Sad.

Thank God for people like you and organizations like your's that help all of God's creatures, great and small. You are truly saints. Thank you for making it possible for those of us who adore animals to sleep better at night knowing you are out there making a diffence in the lives of so many animals.

Thanks for your generosity of spirit, and for putting your lives at risk to save these very lucky ones! wow!

Thank God for these wonderful people who go out and do Gods work.. without you the animals would die.. I wished so much I could help in these times. I am to sick to do that, but its wonderful for the animals that get the help. I am glad I donate to this wonderful cause

Thank you so much so much for your help with gods little creatures. i am a dearly an animal lover and I was thinking the worst when I first read the stories but looks like you all did very well in rescuing these little ones.. again thanks so much for you time and compassion for these animals...