We’ve rushed $3,000 in disaster aid to Colorado Springs, Colo., where the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is caring for 358 cats, dogs, birds, pocket pets and other animals displaced by the raging Black Forest fire.
“We’re working around the clock,” Grants and Corporate Relations Manager Marsha Wayman tells us.
The fire is the most destructive in the state’s history, with officials saying 360 homes have already been destroyed. Thousands of residents are being evacuated, and many of them are bringing their pets to the shelter for temporary housing and care.
“We’re working right now with animal recovery, trying to locate animals that have been left behind,” Wayman tells us.
The fire comes less than a year after the state’s second-most destructive fire, the Waldo Canyon fire, struck the region.
“The good news is we have an incredibly experienced and talented team,” Wayman says. “That’s kind of a silver lining, but the impact is going to be larger this time.”
As the manager of the area’s Community Animal Response Team, the organization is tasked with providing professional response, resources and community education during and after disasters, Wayman says. They are housing displaced animals at several locations, including one site where pet parents can stay with their pets. They working to transport large animals – such as horses and goats – to other organizations that are better equipped to care for them, Wayman said.
The organization expects to spend a significant amount of money on transporting and housing pets while their caretakers are indefinitely displaced. Wayman says she is grateful for the Foundation’s fast assistance.
“We appreciate it so much,” Wayman said. “We need all the help we can get.”
Help us save more pets when disaster strikes.
