A Killeen mother and daughter teamed up to save a kitten from flood debris at an RV park near the San Gabriel River.
GEORGETOWN, Texas — What began as a canceled Fourth of July celebration in Killeen turned into a rescue mission for a mother and daughter who found themselves in the middle of a flood-ravaged RV park — and ended up saving a life.
Millie McKell and her daughter, Sanna Wheeler, drove to Georgetown from Killeen on Saturday to visit an antique store and see nearby flood damage following heavy rain in Central Texas. The two ended up near the San Gabriel River at Riverside RV Park, where they witnessed submerged vehicles and flipped RVs.
As they walked near the edge of a wooded area, they joined a small group of strangers who were searching for a kitten they heard meowing from deep within the debris.
“We thought we’d help for five minutes,” McKell said. “That turned into five and a half hours.”
The community effort to free the kitten — which had become trapped under fallen limbs and brush — involved machetes, sticks and bare hands. By the time night fell, the group had dwindled to just a few people, including Sanna and one other man who refused to give up. The kitten was finally rescued just before 9 p.m., covered in fleas, malnourished and suffering from an eye injury.
“She’s skittish and has some medical needs, but she’s alive,” Wheeler said. “She was hypothermic at one point, but we’ve kept her warm and safe since.”
The two are now raising funds to cover veterinary care and support other flood victims. Their goal is $500, with plans to donate any extra money to local shelters and displaced families. McKell says they’re also collecting supplies to bring back to the area, just 35 minutes from their home.
“If we’re not helping, we don’t feel good about things,” McKell said. “This was a way for us to cope and contribute after such a devastating holiday.”
McKell, a longtime volunteer, said her family has helped with disaster relief efforts before, including Hurricane Harvey. Now, she and Wheeler are encouraging others to support displaced families and pets in any way they can.
“There are over 100 animals in need of foster homes, and countless people trying to rebuild,” Wheeler said. “Even five minutes of help can make a difference.”
Those interested in donating can visit the GoFundMe page.