When historic floods swept through San Juan County this weekend, a Farmington couple turned their 20‑year rafting background into a lifesaving mission for dozens of displaced animals. Ryan and Cody, owners of Desert River Guide, heard families calling for help after their homes were inundated. “There was a grandmother with her baby on a roof overnight and nobody could get to them. I said, ‘We have rafts, let’s try,’” Ryan recalled.
From river guide to animal rescue
Initially heading to the grandmother’s home, the pair arrived to find she had already been evacuated. Undeterred, they redirected their effort toward the many pets stranded on flooded properties. “People kept calling, saying they had animals trapped and we could get in with our boats or hike in,” Ryan said. “It became a Noah’s Ark‑ish effort, minimal style.”
Over the weekend, Ryan and Cody paddled 14‑foot inflatable rafts through murky water, navigating mud‑filled streets and swift currents. Their swift‑water experience proved invaluable; at one point Ryan was pulled under by a quicksand‑like suction while rescuing dogs, but she managed to surface using a throwback line.
Community response and temporary shelter
Rescued animals were taken to a makeshift shelter set up in part of Desert River Guide’s warehouse. A representative from the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter explained, “All of these animals have been brought in, either by good Samaritans or by individuals who have been displaced and need their fur babies to have a safe place for a bit.” Volunteers, guided by the shelter and city officials, converted the warehouse into a temporary home for the displaced pets.
“For right now, we’re here as long as there’s a need,” the shelter representative added. The community’s generosity was evident as neighbors offered food, blankets, and transportation, ensuring the animals received care while owners worked to repair their homes.
Looking ahead
With floodwaters receding, the couple continues to monitor the situation. The inflatable rafts remain on standby in their warehouse, ready for any future emergencies. Ryan expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying, “It’s heart‑warming to see everybody come together, no boundaries, just a community united in compassion.”
Local officials praised the effort, noting that the rapid response helped prevent further loss of life among the county’s beloved pets. As San Juan County begins the long road to recovery, the story of Ryan, Cody, and their community’s willingness to help serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that define the region.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
