Humans aren’t the only ones struggling with the impact of this season’s weather storms.

Over 200 animals, mostly stray dogs or dogs lost during the storms, were brought to the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency in California this week and need homes.

“A lot of them are scared,” said SASA executive director Vaughn Maurice. “You can hear them crying and barking in the background. It really is a very sad situation.”

Staff are over capacity and working hard to reconnect the animals with their rightful owners. But with overcrowding and slowed adoptions due to the weather, dozens are being sent to shelters as far as states away.

One such partner shelter is in Idaho, where dozens of dogs were already sent to await new owners.

The problem with this transition is the agency does not have enough crates to transfer the animals safely and comfortably. They are currently asking the public for donations of any new or used crates, particularly for larger dogs. More than 70% of the agency’s dogs weigh over 50 pounds.

SASA is also seeking temporary foster parents to help with the influx of stray dogs.

Staff say adoptions have slowed down because of the weather and the impact it’s had on residents. The challenge is finding locals to take them in.

“I think right now there’s other communities that aren’t as inundated with stray dogs as what we’re seeing in Stanislaus County,” said rescue coordinator Chandra Looney.

With more rainfall coming this week, SASA staff expect plenty more animals will come into their care.

“Many of the dogs don’t appreciate being out in the rain,” Looney said. “Thunder and lightning can be scary to a dog.”

Maurice is also hoping people will volunteer with tasks as simple as coming and spending time with the animals.

“They’re beautiful animals,” Maurice said. “We love each and every one of them and we want to make sure they have the right outcome and find a good home as quickly as possible.”

Watch the video above for the full story.

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. —

A Modesto, California, family once victimized by a suspected scammer is now the recipient of good fortune, thanks to a generous good Samaritan.

The two families met on a San Joaquin County ranch on Thursday.

As Dave Pechan and Angelica Cuevas stood face-to-face for the first time, the rancher handed Cuevas a cash gift.

Cuevas' son, who translated for her, said to the rancher in English that his mom is grateful as the money will help pay for rent and utilities.

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Pechan first learned of the Cuevas family on Sept. 24 when sister station KCRA shared her story of how a suspected scammer promised them an affordable home to rent, only to run off with their hard-earned money.

"I was very upset because basically, that was hard work money that we saved up for," Angelica Cuevas said in Spanish.

"It was just painful to watch," Pechan said.

Pechan said what he and his wife were most heartened by was the family's work ethic.

"I consider work ethic so valuable to, not only to the people to earn money, but our whole country," Pechan said.

Pechan not only replaced what the family lost in dollars but also their faith in humanity.

"I'm grateful that there are still people with good hearts," Cuevas said.

A police detective said five more people have come forward as victims recently. That number adds to the original four from Turlock.

Investigators believe more victims are out there.

MODESTO, Calif. —

Erica Hunt grew up not knowing her father. That ever-growing question of who he was, made her wonder about who she was.

"It was hard because it's like, it's an identity crisis. I want to know what the other side is, and I only had half of the picture," Hunt said.

Hunt, who is biracial, said that drive to fill in the blanks led her to Ancestry.com in April. Two months later, she would meet siblings she never knew she had.

Most of the siblings met Friday in Modesto, California. Although they have only known each other for two months, it's clear: Their bond is strong.

"It's such a gift that our father gave us to leave us a sibling," Michelle Center Ortiz, Hunt's older sister said.

This was first made possible with a message that Hunt had sent Ortiz, stating that she was looking for her birth father. The information Hunt had given Ortiz pointed to a man named Bailey Center, who died in 2015. Initially, Hunt thought Ortiz may have been a cousin.

But Ortiz was concerned. She was a little wary that a stranger was contacting her about Bailey, who was her father.

"I was a little coy because I was really worried that maybe it was a scam. I didn't know," Ortiz recalled.

Ortiz hired a private investigator who vetted Hunt and confirmed their relationship through DNA. Hunt was also able to give some details such as how her father dressed and what kind of soda he liked.

"I went, ‘Oh my God, that's my father.' He used to love to buy A&W root beer by cartons and go fishing," Ortiz said. "Just uncanny the things that they knew that could not be linked to a DNA profile and that's when I knew."

Ortiz added that the family resemblance can be also seen in pictures as the two women share similar traits, such as their foreheads and cheekbones.

Over Zoom, Ortiz then introduced Hunt to her brothers Bailey II, who is currently out of the country, as well as Keith, Chris, and Brian -- all living on the east coast.

Quietly, without telling Hunt, the siblings hatched a plan to meet her. Hunt's coworkers helped set up the surprise. Eagerly, the siblings hid behind walls, pillars and trees before the big reveal.

Moments before Ortiz met her youngest sibling, she sobbed, overwhelmed and said, "I wish daddy was here. He would be so proud."

As Hunt walked out for lunch, Ortiz and her three brothers walked up to greet her. The siblings hugged and cried.

"I'm glad to give my title of youngest over. It's super exciting to have an extra person in the family," Chris Center, Hunt's brother said.

"I don't have kids myself so it's kind of cool that I've got an addition to the family this way. And, what an addition it is," Keith Center said.

With the siblings now together, the picture Hunt had wished for is now coming into focus.

As a newly united family, they have plans to get to know each other better and make up for time lost.

"We are going to give her all the love we have because we have loved her from the moment she came to us," Ortiz said.