One evacuee who came to Columbia early Tuesday had four paws.

Glenn Haydel brought along his 18-month-old dachshund, Boogie. In part, it was his reluctance to leave his pet that led he and his wife, Lillian, to remain on an island near New Orleans despite being cut off.

“Nothing works in the city,” he said. “Absolutely nothing.”

Haydel was pleasantly surprised when they were allowed to bring along the dog upon being airlifted to the Midlands. “We just got lucky.”

After their arrival, Lexington County authorities took the dog to a shelter to have it examined and then returned it to the Haydels four hours later with a Carolina Gamecock leash attached.

“Wonderful, wonderful,” Haydel said. “He’s my buddy. He’s made friends with all of the evacuees. I made friends through him.”

“The dog’s getting better care than anyone else,” Columbia Mayor Bob Coble said.

Haydel lived in Charlotte about a decade ago and might stay here.

“We want to get a good feel for what direction the city (New Orleans) is going in,” he said. “I’m really touched by the hospitality here.”

— Tim Flach