Rafting Company Shelters 45 Dogs and Other Pets in Farmington Floods

Desert River Guides in Farmington, New Mexico, sheltered more than 45 dogs in its warehouse during recent flooding. The rafting business also housed a handful of chickens, rabbits, and cats for displaced families.

Co-owner Ryan Dudgeon stated that the area received an exceptional amount of rain in a short period. He noted that the business is accustomed to needing precipitation, but the intensity of the storms required immediate action.

Crews patrolled local neighborhoods with a raft, anticipating requests for help. When residents called about pets trapped inside homes, Dudgeon and his team hiked to the locations. He described the terrain as treacherous, noting that the crew had to pull themselves out of quicksand to reach the animals. Once secured, the team transported the pets back to their owners.

When a second wave of water approached, the company opened its warehouse to house the displaced animals. The City of Farmington assisted by constructing a berm and installing sandbags around the building. Dudgeon said this barrier protected the facility and kept the animals dry until crews could evacuate them from the area.

The flooding has altered the company's operational plans. After assessing new river patterns, Dudgeon announced that Desert River Guides will offer four-day trips on the San Juan River starting next summer. The route will run from Shiprock to the Four Corners.