Sedona couple lifts dog out of flood with makeshift harness
Residents of Oak Creek waited on rooftops for hours as state crews cleared debris and checked for injuries.
By Gabriela Ivanov ·
Rapidly rising floodwaters forced residents in several Arizona communities to evacuate their homes on Sunday. The flooding trapped people in Sedona and required immediate action from local officials.
Alexander Dale and his wife found themselves stuck on their property next to the Oak Creek bed. Their home and several short-term rentals they manage were surrounded by water. The couple and about nine guests climbed onto the roof to wait for help.
They remained on the roof for approximately three hours. Dale said the family did not know where to go while the water rose. A helicopter eventually arrived with a heavy rope line to lift them to safety.
The crew initially questioned whether they could bring the family's dog. The pilot told Dale he did not have a standard harness for a K-9 and was unsure if he could take the animal. Dale asked what their options were.
The couple decided against leaving the dog behind. They used three harnesses from inside their home and strapped them together. Dale held the dog securely in his own harness during the lift.
Cindy Wilmer, a schoolteacher living near Red Rock Crossing, evacuated with only her clothes, school keys, and her cat. She described the water as roaring down the street. Fernando Leon also evacuated from his Oak Creek home. He feared his house might be a total loss after seeing the river through his open door.
By Sunday afternoon, the heavy rains in the Sedona area had largely stopped. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs stated that state air rescue crews assisted with rooftop evacuations. State transportation crews worked to clear debris. Officials reported no immediate injuries or deaths.
