In the midst of devastating floods affecting the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales, some Australian heroes are attempting to provide a degree of hope to residents.
With many families and homes destroyed in the floodwaters, people who have lost everything are still trying to find their missing pets after being separated during the disaster.
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Michelle Bryant works at reuniting residents in these extraordinary circumstances with their beloved pets who they would usually provide food and care for.
She's no stranger to doing this deed as Michelle also dropped everything to find stranded pets during the bushfires back in 2020.
She's now coordinating a team of local volunteers in the Northern Rivers since the flooding began and has been providing the animals with food, water, vets, medicine, and care until she can find their owners.
Flood victim Mark O’Toole revealed his Border Collie DJ jumped into the waters while he was in the process of being rescued from the roof of his home.
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In telling his story on TODAY, he detailed how he walked waist-deep in floodwaters 400 metres up-current to find the Border Collie stranded but safe on top of a pile of rubble when he returned to his property two days later.
Mark has now joined Michelle and the team to help reunite other locals with their dearest fur friends and take care of the local animals when their owners may not be able.
While the situation is heartbreaking, the team of big-hearted volunteers are working every day to give vital support to animals and owners in need.
In doing this, however, they need support and donations to pay for essentials such as pet food, collars, leads, beds and other animals supplied.
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Donations are also currently being used for larger items such as boats, pumps, generators, and water tanks.
Currently fostering and caring for found animals is being controlled by Willow Tree Sanctuary, who is a registered not-for-profit charity, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals.
Donations can be made direct to Michelle, but if you are in the affected areas and can help with transport or providing storage facilities as that is also greatly needed.
You can find all information on ways you can help on Michelle’s Facebook page HERE.
Jayden Collins