Local organizations collecting donations for victims of Texas flooding

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- At least 100 people are dead after heavy rain led to immense flooding in Texas. Now, the Western New York community is stepping up to help those in need.

Furtastic Adopt-a-thon is a nonprofit organization that partners with local animal rescues to find loving homes for pets in need. One place they receive a lot of their dogs from is Laredo, Texas.

"We have a deep, longstanding relationship with Laredo Animal Care Services," said Tina Chaudhry, president of Western New York's Furtastic Adopt-a-thon. "They are very low on resources and have to make a lot of really hard decisions."

Every month, roughly 30 dogs are flown from Laredo to Western New York where organizations such as Buddy's Second Chance Rescue and Allie & Pals Rescue give those dogs to foster families.

This Thursday, July 10, a plane full of dogs will be arriving in our region.

Thanks to partners at Dog Is My Pilot, Inc. and Operation Airdrop, the plane will then send back donations from Western New York community members to help families and pets impacted by the recent floods.

Chaundry said this is what Buffalo and the city of good neighbors is all about.

"It really is a testament to this community and that's why I choose to live here," said Chaundry. "In these moments of total despair, at least everyone will come together and work together to help others."

Now through Wednesday, July 9, donations can be dropped off at Buddy and Friends Dog Daycare located at 415 N. French Rd., or Katie the Animal Groomer at 4003 Harlem Rd.

Supplies that were specifically requested include mops, brooms, Clorox bleach, work and rubber gloves, sponges, rags, contractor trash bags, squeegees, 5-gallon buckets, and general cleaning supplies.

Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.