Help Animal Shelter Recover After Fire

In the early morning of December 19, shelter staff could smell smoke. A passerby alerted staff to smoke rising from the roof. Undeterred by the freezing temperatures, staff and first responders jumped into action to evacuate 80+ dogs and cats. Meanwhile, firefighters quickly arrived and SAVED our building.

Dogs were chained to outdoor fencing. Cats put into carriers placed under a nearby tree. Vehicles became temporary kennels.

The fire caused partial structural damage forcing the shelter to close operations. The staff's priority quickly shifted to finding housing for every pet just days before Christmas. In the month since, we have learned just how differently that fateful day could have ended.

The electrical fire started in the attic above the dog storage area. Our security system suggests the fire began as early as 2 a.m. The fire severed electrical wiring and caused the fire alarms to fail. Slowly smoldering, it wouldn't be until after 7 a.m. that the fire was discovered. That is five hours! F-I-V-E!

It is nothing short of a miracle that the building and every animal inside did not perish that morning.

And despite the miraculous ending - it will take us months and thousands of dollars to recover. We understand times are tough, but no gift is too small! Any help you can give to the much-loved pets in our care will be greatly appreciated.

CONTRIBUTE TO OUR $30,000 GOAL

We are asking for your help to purchase a new 10-zone fire alarm system complete with smoke detectors, horns, strobes, pull stations and heat detectors for the attic. The cost of this new system is $15,800.

Additional funds raised will go directly towards the fire recovery efforts. This includes expenses beyond property insurance reimbursement for construction repairs.

Maryville Forum Gallery: New Nodaway Humane Society fire