HOUSTON, TEXAS: A dedicated animal lover led a relentless three-day search alongside her trusty canine companion and a team of volunteers to rescue a litter of trapped puppies from cockroach-infested storm drains in Houston. The rescue mission commenced when a concerned citizen reported spotting a litter of puppies attempting to cross a busy street, only to lose sight of them and hear their desperate whimpers. The unfortunate situation highlighted the area's rampant issue of "puppy dumping," in which unwanted dogs are abandoned to fend for themselves.
Who is Callie Clemens?
Callie Clemens, the founder of the nonprofit organization Paws Off The Streets, felt compelled to take action in the face of this heartbreaking situation. "I knew nobody would do it, so I had to jump in," she told the Daily Mail. Clemens, who is the ex-daughter-in-law of renowned New York Yankees legend Roger Clemens, is renowned for her work in fighting for vulnerable animals in need, and her nonprofit has been instrumental in saving numerous animals from dire circumstances over the years.
Armed with determination and a desire to rescue the helpless puppies, Clemens and her team embarked on a daring journey into the storm drains, despite the numerous challenges and potential risks. Her dedication to the cause was evident as she braved the unsanitary conditions and potential health hazards, which included a foot injury that necessitated the use of antibiotics. "There's no way the puppy can get out by itself so it's up to us and I have no shame to go down and get it," she told the outlet.
Entering the depths of darkness
Accompanied by her faithful canine companion, Giselle, who possesses an uncanny ability to sniff out animals, Clemens entered the cockroach-infested drains late at night on Friday, July 28. With no specialized equipment or knowledge of the intricate underground terrain, the rescue team fearlessly descended into the darkness upon hearing the cries of the trapped puppies. "The puppies screamed. They got louder and ran away. We had to try and corner them. We ended up going more north," she said. "I saw them pretty quickly. They ran away, they were tiny," she added. Despite the initial fright and the puppies' attempts to evade capture, Clemens and her team managed to rescue two of the black labradors that night.
However, the rescue mission was not over, as they could still hear the faint cries of one or two other puppies echoing through the tunnels. Undeterred, Clemens and her team persisted throughout Friday night, wading through murky waters and facing swarms of cockroaches to locate the remaining puppies. The volunteers resorted to using dog sounds on their phones, hoping to elicit a response from the frightened pups. As the hours passed, she remained steadfast in her belief that the puppies were still trapped underground. "I know they're still in there; I just think they're further down," she affirmed.
'It's difficult to get in there'
The city of Houston lent its support to the rescue efforts, unlocking the storm drains and providing engineers to aid Clemens in her search. One engineer even created a map of the intricate drain system to assist in locating any remaining puppies. Despite the challenges of accessing the tight 24-inch entrance, Clemens, who stands at just five feet tall, was willing to venture into the cramped space alone to find the last pup. She left no stone unturned in her pursuit, leaving food and water to provide some comfort to the trapped dogs. "It's difficult to get in there. You have to be very small because not anybody can fit," she said.
Amidst complaints from a concerned neighbor about the open drains being a safety hazard, Clemens remained resolute in her mission. The pungent odor and cockroach infestation posed further obstacles, but her unwavering passion and dedication kept her going, even with broken nails and cuts on her feet. "I'm invested, I am hopeful and I remain optimistic. It's very hard to get me to quit. I'm very passionate about it," Clemens said.
Houston, unfortunately, has a significant stray animal issue, with an estimated one million stray animals roaming the streets, many of whom are abused and neglected per a documentary 'For the Animals', which covers two sisters trying to solve the city's stray animal problem. "It's become more of a crisis every day, between the dogs breeding exponentially and the government ignoring the problem," activist Tena Lundquist Faust told the newspaper.
A history of heroic rescues
This heroic rescue effort is not the first time Clemens has ventured into treacherous environments to save animals in need. She previously rescued a kitten trapped in storm drains in May 2021 and encountered a dog stuck in a steep water dike, where she required assistance with a rope to be safely brought out. "The water dike for storms they're very steep," she said, adding, "They had to get a rope to get me out."
As of now, two puppies have been successfully rescued, with one going to ASPCA and the other to the city shelter. However, Clemens remains determined to locate any remaining puppies and is willing to risk her own safety to ensure their well-being. Reflecting on her willingness to take risks, Clemens admitted, "I do some pretty stupid stuff, I just try not to think about it and just do it." Nonetheless, her bravery and compassion continue to inspire those around her, making a profound impact on Houston's animal welfare crisis.
