Kentucky Flood Hero Rescues Pets From Rising Waters
April 8, 2025
Today’s good news story highlights a heroic act in Woodford County, Kentucky.
As Kentucky battles severe flooding from persistent rain, one man has emerged as a local hero, dedicating his efforts to saving both his neighbors and their pets.
Kody Smith / Credit: @LEX18 News
Kody Smith, a resident of Clifton, took action to rescue pets trapped by the floodwaters. Smith spent his Sunday navigating the waterlogged neighborhood, aiding stranded dogs, cats, and kittens. With floodwaters reaching perilous heights, he didn’t hesitate to act.
Smith, who works for Stokley’s, explained to LEX18, “I called my dad and the boss, and he said go up there and grab a boat and see what you can do to help.”
Assisted by a friend, Smith utilized a boat to reach various homes where pets had been left behind in the chaos.
Describing his experience, Smith stated, “I hopped in the water and we got the one on this side and the one cat on the other side of the house,” noting the urgency as the cats were “hollering” for rescue.
Having previously lived in lower Clifton, Smith understands the difficult decisions families face when evacuating quickly, leaving pets behind for safety’s sake.
“You can’t ridicule somebody for leaving a pet and getting their family out, but that is why we came down here,” he said.
Among the rescues, one dramatic incident involved arriving just in time to save pets inside a flooded home.
Smith recounted, “We went into the window on the left, parked the boat on the roof, and they were floating in a tote bin.”
Watch the local news video below.
