At that point Buschow said her mother paid the fine to get the dogs back. The family is puzzled how they got out and were considered strays. Campos left the dogs secured and she also has a fence in the front and back of her home.

After the family contacted Watchdog Mary, she contacted CCACS. A spokesperson for Captain William Broyles, who runs the facility, said it was a misunderstanding. Animal control officers have been working around the clock, some employees are even sleeping at the shelter to help, and everyone is exhausted. His spokesperson issued this statement:

Captain Broyles personally apologized for a misinterpretation of his directives by his staff.

In an effort to transition, Captain Broyles issued a "10 day stray hold" on impounded animals entering CCACS 8/26-8/29 -- the "hurricane period", with a return to the "normal" 3-5 day stray hold period to resume afterward. However, the issue of not charging people coming to reclaim their pets was not made abundantly clear.

"I did not authorize CCACS staff to charge people to reclaim, nor was the decision to do so run by management," said Broyles. "It was an internal mis-understanding/mis-communication issue on the part of my staff which I accept responsibility and apologize for. We have corrected this error. And I’ve instructed my staff to issue refunds to the small number of people that were affected" said Broyles.

CCACS will resume its regular procedures for stray holds & fee assessments as of next week Saturday, explained Capt. Broyles. Meanwhile, CCACS staff has slept on cots, with some employees unable to return to their own homes, as they manned the facility to care for the influx of strays and abandoned animals.

"For now, the matter has been resolved, and I’m sorry for the inconvenience", added Broyles.

Broyles said the shelter does need supplies to help care for the dogs they have taken in after the hurricane. To volunteer or donate food or supplies for the staff, or for the animals, please contact the shelter at: (361) 826-4630.

Campos and her family are thrilled to be reunited with their dogs. And Watchdog Mary is told they will be getting a refund. If anyone else was charged for picking up their pet after the hurricane, the city will refund them as well. If anyone has an problem getting a refund please email Watchdog Mary.