THE TEXAS TERRAIN, HEAT, SNAKES AND FIRE ANTS MAKING IT TOUGH FOR THOSE HELPIING. Minnesota Department of Transportation Task Force 1 is helping in central Texas. 5 rescuers and 2 K9s have been working nonstop. They said it has been tough! “The terrain and heat, along with the threat of snakes and fire ants, have been hard on the dogs. Unfortunately, K9 Royal got into some fire ants and had to be taken to an emergency vet. ….

Central Texas – As search and rescue efforts continue in the flood-ravaged regions of Central Texas, one team from the far north is facing an entirely different kind of battle—not just against the elements, but against the land itself.

Minnesota Department of Transportation Task Force 1, consisting of five dedicated rescuers and two highly trained K9s, has been deployed to assist in locating stranded residents and pets. But what they’ve encountered in Texas is far more punishing than they anticipated.

“It’s been tough—physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said team lead Brian Schultz. “We’re used to snowstorms and bitter cold. Down here? It’s the heat, the terrain, the snakes, the fire ants. It’s relentless.”

Texas temperatures have soared into the upper 90s with high humidity, creating an almost unbearable environment for humans and dogs alike. Rescuers have been trudging through knee-deep mud, wading through murky floodwaters, and climbing over collapsed structures—sometimes for 12 to 14 hours a day.

For the two K9s, Royal, a Belgian Malinois, and Sage, a Labrador retriever, the job has been just as grueling.

“The terrain and heat, along with the constant threat of snakes and fire ants, have been especially hard on the dogs,” Schultz said.

On Tuesday, K9 Royal was leading a sweep through a heavily wooded area when he unknowingly stepped into a nest of fire ants. Within seconds, the ants swarmed his legs and underbelly. Despite his training, the pain overwhelmed him.

“He started yelping and dropped to the ground,” said handler Maria Ortega, still visibly shaken. “We got to him fast, but he was in bad shape.”

The team rushed Royal to a mobile emergency veterinary unit stationed 40 miles away. He was treated for allergic reaction and inflammation. Fortunately, Royal is expected to make a full recovery, but he will remain off-duty for the rest of the deployment.

“He’s a fighter,” Ortega said. “Even in pain, he tried to get back up and keep working. That’s just who he is.”

Task Force 1 remains in the field, now relying on K9 Sage while Royal recovers. The team is still pressing forward despite exhaustion and danger—motivated by the lives they can still save.

“It’s about the people. The pets. The ones who can’t help themselves,” said Schultz. “And no matter how tough it gets, we’ll keep showing up.”