6 days ago
Beloved Dog Who Went Missing During Texas Floods Found Alive
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A dog that went missing during the devastating floods in Central Texas earlier this month was found alive with help from a trackable GPS collar.
The Context
During the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Texas experienced severe flash floods, particularly along the Medina and Guadalupe Rivers. The flooding left a trail of devastation, with over 100 people reported dead.
What To Know
Erin Doguet was 1,500 miles away in Colorado when she learned that her ranch, which backs up to the Medina River, was flooding and her livestock guardian dog, Ziva, was missing, People reported.
Over 200 animals at the ranch had been left in the care of Doguet's sister, Shannon, and a pet sitter, Taelyn.
"Ziva took off after a predator or possibly also spooked by the big storm, causing her to end up on the back section of the ranch, which is bordered by the Medina River. As she crossed the river, the flood waters rose swiftly, trapping her," Doguet told the outlet.
Doguet had previously fitted Ziva with a Tractive GPS collar. Using the device's app, Doguet helped guide Shannon and Taelyn to Ziva's location. After spending approximately 16 hours in a flooded gully, and with help from an audible sound feature on the collar, Ziva was found and rescued by Shannon and Taelyn.
"The app worked flawlessly in guiding us to her location," Doguet told People.
A photo shows flooding caused by a flash flood at the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on July 5, 2025.
A photo shows flooding caused by a flash flood at the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on July 5, 2025.
Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
Doguet said Ziva was physically unharmed but exhausted. The dog drank water and rested for over 12 hours upon returning home.
Across Central Texas, other survival stories have emerged from the devastation. A dog named Superman was found atop debris after being swept away by the floods. Animal organizations, such as Austin Pets Alive!, have taken in hundreds of displaced pets, mobilizing veterinarians, staff, and volunteers to aid in the emergency response.
What People Are Saying
Erin Doguet told People: "I burst into tears knowing they found her alive! When the collar kept reporting her same location for hours on the river, I feared she was dead."
Suzie Chase, a community affairs officer for Austin Pets Alive!, previously told Newsweek: "The Central Texas community has been incredibly generous, dropping off canned pet food, blankets, towels and crates. They have volunteered to help transport animals from Kerr County and help with the search and rescue efforts. We are so grateful!"
What Happens Next
Austin Pets Alive! announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday that its flood response efforts are ongoing.
"You can help us continue to be there for Central Texas pets and their communities through our disaster relief efforts by donating funds or supplies, volunteering, fostering, or adopting," the organization said.
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