When torrential rains pummeled Union County late Monday night, it took only minutes for calm streets to transform into dangerous rivers. At the Plainfield Area Humane Society animal shelter, floodwaters rose rapidly, threatening the lives of more than 80 dogs and cats trapped inside.

Board member Salvatore Carrano didn’t wait for help. He dove in, literally.

“We swam from across the street that night,” Carrano said. “The water was already up to the first-floor level. Based on what we’ve seen in past storms, that meant our entire eight-foot basement was completely full of water.”

Inside the shelter, animals — locked in pens and cages — were helpless in the dark.

“They can’t care for themselves when they’re trapped,” he said. “We knew we had to do whatever it took. Thankfully, we are safe. The animals are safe. The days ahead will be tough, but we’re here to do the work.”

Carrano later walked through the wreckage. The shelter’s basement was a complete loss; mud-coated cages, ruined food and vital medical supplies destroyed. Outside, floodwaters still lingered in the areas where dogs once roamed freely. High water lines on the building’s exterior revealed how much water poured in.

Josh Reyes, director of operations at Hope 4 Paws Humane Society, helped lead the rescue effort.

“For the cats, we moved them to higher cages, but for the dogs, some over 50 lbs, it was harder,” Reyes said. “A lot were scared. Some were aggressive out of fear. We just picked them up, held their muzzles gently, and put them in the safest place we could find, even in the cat cages.”

Others were transported to nearby shelters, and some were taken in by local residents who saw urgent calls for help on social media. The outpouring from the community was immediate.

“We posted asking for help, and it went viral,” said Kristina Grego, hospital manager at Plainfield Animal Hospital. “People from all over dropped off towels, blankets, bowls, crates, cleaning supplies, you name it. It was overwhelming in the best way.”

Donations continue to come in, but for those on the front lines, the biggest challenge still lies ahead.

“We’re grateful for the support,” Reyes said. “But we need monetary donations now. The building needs major repairs or we may need to relocate entirely. We want to get back to where we were before the storm. That’s going to take serious funding.”