Joy Reid Rescues Animal in the Flood in Texas: A Story of Compassion and Courage

In a world often dominated by breaking news and the relentless pace of modern life, stories of kindness and compassion can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. However, when a powerful figure like Joy Reid, MSNBC’s dynamic and insightful host of The ReidOut, steps up in the face of a crisis, her actions shine a light on the very best qualities of humanity. This was the case when the devastating floods hit Texas, leaving countless families and animals in their wake. While the focus was on human rescue efforts, Reid’s actions proved that empathy and courage extend far beyond just people—it includes our furry companions as well.

The Texas Flood: A State in Crisis

In the summer of 2025, Texas found itself at the mercy of one of the most destructive floods in its history. Torrential rains poured down for days, and the swelling rivers and rising waters overwhelmed communities across the state. By the time the floodwaters finally began to recede, it was clear that the damage was far-reaching. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, entire neighborhoods submerged, and tens of thousands of people were left homeless. Families struggled to find shelter, and the state’s emergency response teams worked tirelessly to provide aid.

While the human toll was significant, the flood also had a devastating impact on animals. Many pets were left behind as their families were forced to evacuate, livestock was stranded in flooded barns, and wild animals were displaced from their natural habitats. Animal shelters, already overwhelmed with abandoned pets before the flood, found themselves at capacity. Rescuers worked feverishly to save as many animals as they could, but the vast scale of the flooding made their mission challenging.

Amid this chaos, the media focused largely on the human stories—understandably so, given the scale of the disaster. But there was one act of heroism that stood out in the midst of the destruction: the story of how Joy Reid, renowned journalist and TV host, took matters into her own hands and stepped up in a way that no one expected.

Joy Reid’s Compassionate Response

Known for her incisive political commentary, Joy Reid’s name is synonymous with sharp analysis of current events and social issues. Yet, when the flood struck Texas, she demonstrated that her compassion extended far beyond the world of politics. While covering the disaster on The ReidOut, Reid found herself deeply moved by the plight of the animals affected by the flood. With her personal love for animals well known to her audience, she knew that something had to be done, not just by the professionals and emergency teams, but by ordinary citizens who could offer help.

Having watched the growing needs of the rescue teams, Reid felt compelled to act when she learned of a stranded animal in one of the hardest-hit areas. As the floodwaters rose, many pets and animals were stranded in areas that were difficult to reach. A call came through to a local rescue organization, and Joy, rather than reporting the story from her desk, decided to take action herself.

Without hesitation, she contacted the animal rescue teams in Texas and made plans to head out. Equipped with the necessary supplies—food, water, and basic first aid materials for animals—Reid set out with a team of rescuers. The floodwaters had not yet fully receded, and many roads were still impassable, but this was not a moment for hesitation. She had committed to helping save lives, both human and animal.

Rescue Operation: Saving an Animal in Peril

Reid’s rescue mission took her to a small, flooded neighborhood outside of Austin, Texas. It was here that a family’s dog, Daisy, had become trapped in the rising waters. The dog’s owners had been forced to evacuate, but their beloved pet had been left behind as the floodwaters quickly encroached upon their home. The family’s desperate calls for help had made their way to the rescue team, and it was here that Reid knew she could make a difference.

Navigating through the floodwaters in a boat, Reid and the animal rescue team approached the house. Daisy, a large Golden Retriever, had climbed onto the porch of the house, where she was trapped and shaking with fear. The water was dangerously close to reaching the porch, and time was running out. The team, which included local animal control officers and volunteers, quickly prepared to bring Daisy to safety. But it was Reid who took the first steps toward the dog, offering her calm and reassuring presence as she approached the frightened animal.

“Hey, girl, it’s okay,” Reid said softly as she approached Daisy, crouching down to allow the dog to get a good look at her. “We’re here to help you.”

The moment was tense. Daisy was scared and exhausted, but when she recognized the kindness in Reid’s voice, she hesitated, then slowly approached. Reid gently coaxed the dog into the boat, her calm demeanor helping to soothe the animal’s anxiety. As the boat slowly pulled away from the flooded area and moved to dry land, Reid cradled Daisy in her arms, comforting her the entire way.

“This is what it’s all about,” Reid said as she held Daisy close. “Getting these animals to safety, making sure they’re okay. They’re part of the family, and they deserve to be saved, too.”

The Emotional Impact of the Rescue

What was remarkable about this rescue was not just that Joy Reid saved an animal in peril, but the emotional resonance that followed. For Reid, it was about more than just helping an animal—it was about the bond we share with our pets and the deep responsibility we have to protect them. For the flood victims, seeing a familiar face like Reid’s come to their aid was a powerful reminder that they were not forgotten. Their pets, who were often their last connection to a sense of normalcy, were being cared for.

When the rescue team brought Daisy to safety, they reached out to the family, who was overwhelmed with relief. “I can’t believe you got Daisy back,” the family said, tears in their eyes. “Thank you so much for saving her. She’s a part of our family, and we didn’t know what we’d do without her.”

For Reid, the mission didn’t end with Daisy’s rescue. She made sure to stay involved in the ongoing efforts to help more animals, personally following up on the condition of other pets and livestock affected by the flood. She was also vocal about the need for more funding and resources to help animal rescue organizations in the wake of natural disasters.

The Power of Compassion and Advocacy

Joy Reid’s actions in the flood response were a testament to her character and her willingness to go beyond what was expected. While she is widely recognized for her work in political commentary, her rescue efforts showed that compassion transcends any one field. Her selflessness, paired with her ability to use her platform to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard, is a reflection of her broader values as a journalist and a human being.

“I couldn’t just sit back and report the news,” Reid shared later in an interview. “I had to be part of the solution. These animals are helpless, and as humans, we have a responsibility to protect them.”

Reid’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Her rescue mission and her vocal advocacy for animal rights in the aftermath of the flood were praised by fans, animal lovers, and even organizations such as the Humane Society. Many social media users expressed their admiration for her courage, and animal welfare groups called for more efforts to provide care to animals during natural disasters.

The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Action and Kindness

The story of Joy Reid’s rescue of Daisy spread far beyond the news. It resonated deeply with people across the nation who had witnessed the compassion and courage of a public figure who was willing to put herself in harm’s way to save an animal’s life. The ripple effect of her actions extended to communities in Texas, where local rescue operations were buoyed by her support. Many individuals took inspiration from her and began volunteering to help with local rescues, ensuring that more animals could be saved from the rising floodwaters.

Reid’s actions also sparked a conversation about the importance of protecting animals during times of crisis. In interviews following the rescue, she spoke about the need for better disaster preparedness for animals, including more resources for animal shelters, veterinary care, and rescue teams trained to save pets during floods and other natural disasters.

Conclusion: A Moment of Hope and Heroism

Joy Reid’s rescue of Daisy was not just a simple act of kindness—it was a profound reminder that in times of crisis, humanity’s capacity for compassion can shine through in unexpected ways. As a journalist, Reid is known for her voice in covering critical issues; however, her decision to step into the field and save an animal from a life-threatening situation revealed her unwavering commitment to helping others, regardless of their species.

The story of Daisy’s rescue and Reid’s efforts to help animals affected by the Texas floods continues to inspire. It is a testament to the power of kindness and the extraordinary things that can happen when we act with empathy and courage. In a world often divided by the noise of political rhetoric and social tensions, the rescue of a single dog—and the humanity behind that rescue—serves as a beautiful reminder that we are all connected, and that our responsibility extends to every living creature around us.

In the end, the act of saving Daisy was more than just a headline—it was a moment of hope, compassion, and a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the world.