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Owner saves dogs at N.C. rescue foundation during Hurricane Matthew

CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) – It’s taken a lot of volunteers and a lot of time to clean up Scott Bailey’s home.

Friends and strangers flocked to his home in Barco, North Carolina on Sunday after hearing his story. Bailey run’s the Save A Dog-Save A Cat Foundation’s rescue shelter at his home for eight years, so he’s used to dogs barking.

Last weekend, during Hurricane Matthew, Bailey said he was retiring for the evening when it got unusually quiet outside. He looked outside, saw water rapidly rising and ran to aid the nine dogs he’s currently sheltering.

“It got to the point where the dogs were almost drowning,” Bailey said.

Friends said Bailey was able to post a “Help Message” on Facebook before his phone died.

“I was devastated, it scared me so bad. We knew he had all these dogs here and he was pretty much by himself. No one could get in touch with him,” says Bailey’s friend Lauren Lambiase.

Bailey waded into the water trying to keep himself and the dogs from drowning while waiting for help.

“When I heard a dog hit the water, I would let this one down on a kuranda bed which is raised up four to six inches. I would go hold that dog until I heard another dog splash. It was back and forth for 10 hours,” Bailey says.

Lambiase, who volunteered to help Bailey clean up his property, said the story tugged at her heart.

“I know that’s what kind of man he is. If it wasn’t for him, I’m sure the dogs would’ve died. He’s a hero,” Lambiase said.

A hero, who kept the dogs alive during the storm and by taking them in, who’s giving them another chance to live.

“These dogs mean everything to me. These are the dogs that were going to be euthanized and I’m giving them a second chance,” Bailey said.

He’s now offering them a third chance thanks to the numerous donations he’s received, including dog food from as far away as West Virginia.

“I actually had people rescue the rescue,” Bailey said.