By Toni-Elena Gallo
Newlyweds Ron Borgese and Hui Yan have suffered a setback to their lives together. But, an adorable puppy has managed to smooth it over a bit.
At 2:30 in the morning on Monday, Aug. 19, the couple’s tiny bichon, Snowy, startled them with loud barking. What they woke up to was catastrophic.
Last week’s severe rain storm destroyed the dam which separated Stony Brook’s Mill Pond from Stony Brook Harbor, and the Borgeses’ Main Street home was in the process of being demolished.
“We left the house, not in fear, but because we thought we might get wet, because a tree fell on our roof, and we thought we saw it come through the roof a little bit. We had no idea what was occurring, because the basement wasn’t even flooding. Then, all of a sudden, we had a torrential 1 foot, 2 foot, 4 foot — all in a half-hour’s time,” Borgese said.
He continued, “Because the dam broke, the whole Mill Pond rushed through a massive hole, which ultimately ripped off our bedroom, and the rest of our house is now condemned.”
Borgese said that Snowy is “our hero right now.” He said that if it wasn’t for him, there would be no doubt we would’ve been swept away with the currents.
As of now, the family is living in a hotel as they determine their next steps. And Snowy is doing great.
“We are waiting to hear from the insurance company, but they’re not cooperating very nicely, so far,” Borgese added. “So, I’m sure hoping that they’re going to do the right thing. If not, we’ll have to figure out what to do.”
He is hoping that FEMA and the Red Cross will be heavily involved with the repair efforts needed in Stony Brook village, and that Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is serious about her promises to the area.
