AS IT began to pour across the region today, a Kirkcudbright animal hospice scrambled to stem internal flooding — and was successful thanks to an outstanding community response.
The Maggie Fleming Animal Hospice said in a Facebook post this afternoon the centre was “maybe 2 inches fae flooding,” and that the rainfall had already damaged some equipment.
The combined power of community spirit and social media soon became evident, as one-by-one locals came to the rescue.
“Thankfully the farmer from next door came in and dug a trench so the water’s going out, but it’s still coming in,” said hospice owner Alexis Fleming earlier. “I’ve also had a phone call from someone who follows the page, who has brought some sandbags and we’re going to put them outside the kitchen, because it looks like it’s going to flood. And somebody from a local building company has phoned and offered a pump, and he’s on his way.”
Alexis added she was “almost greeting” at the response. “I was in really dire straits until about half an hour ago when everyone rallied round to help,” she said.
“It’s still a wee bit precarious but I think we’re on our way to getting it fixed. There’s a bit of damage, the quail house is gone, and I’m not sure what the damage is to the foundation of the hospice because it’s flooded right the way under it. Apart from that, it’s going to be a case of how do we stop this again and think of flood prevention.”
“It definitely could have been a lot worse,” she added. “I could see me having to evacuate 130 animals if people hadn’t rallied round like they had.”
Alexis profusely thanked all those who came to her aid and said that “this is what happens when folk come together”.
