Family Pet Rescued From Island On The Rio Grande

 – Project Companion

After 6 days of being trapped on an island in the middle of the Rio Grande, a small dog named Vakita is going home. The family, from Piedras, reached out to their local Mexican agencies but did not receive much help. They then requested assistance from the Border Patrol, Project COMPANION, Eagle Pass Fire and Police departments, and the groups stepped up to attempt a rescue. The first evening firefighters tried to save Vakita, but she kept running away from them. Changing their tactic the next morning,  US Border Patrol agents traveled to the island via airboat, and were able to rescue Vakita and bring her to safety. Vakita was transported to the Border Patrol North Station where she was processed. An agent commented that the current through the Rio is almost impossible to cross right now, and that it was a miracle this tiny dog made it to the island. Vakita was released to Project COMPANION, where members were on hand to transport the dog to her family. Vakita’s family was overwhelmed with happiness to be reunited with their loved one, they expressed their extreme gratitude to all the heroes who helped save their family pet. The effort meant the world to them, and to Vakita as well.