The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is rescuing four-legged victims in Southeast Missouri’s flood zone. Kyle Held is the Midwest director of Field Investigations and Response… he’s working with the shelter in Caruthersville.

“Our rescue boat actually arrives today — I’ve been out on three rescues without a boat,” he says. “We went on two yesterday and we went out on one earlier but was not able to outswim a dog,” he laughed, “so he’s still out there, we’ll go back and check up on him once we got our boat up and running.”

He says they working to rescue animals trapped by floodwaters in Southeast Missouri’s Pemiscot County; Franklin County around Frankfort, Kentucky; Shelby County and Memphis, Tennessee, as well as animals affected by tornadoes in Arkansas’ Faulkner County and Conway.

Animal rescues in high water presents several challenges — animals are scared — and they’re being confronted by strangers, taken to a strange place.

The ASPCA is also providing various supplies from PetSmart Charities (bowls, crates, etc.) and medical supplies.

Meanwhile, a Conservation agent tells his story of dramatic rescues amid the rising waters in Southeast Missouri.

Eric Heuring joined Butler County fire personnel Monday to rescue trapped residents by boat, including 13 people, three dogs, and a parakeet.

Heuring is one of five agents trained and ready to assist law enforcement in the event of a natural disaster.

Heuring says in many cases, the Black River rose so quickly, people couldn’t evacuate safely in their own vehicles. They were brought to a shelter at Black River Coliseum. He says he and other agents are on call this week, ready to help save more lives if needed.