Fire Forces Rescue of Dogs from Dog-rescue Shelter

On January 11, when fire tore through The Dog Next Door animal shelter run by Deborah Wood, 15 formerly homeless dogs that the rescue facility had been boarding found themselves yet again in need of rescue. Wood, known locally in Atlanta as "The Dog Next Door Rescuer," is widely recognized for her efforts to save needy animals. But after losing everything in the inferno, she herself needed help as much as the dogs she cared for.

The NGO American Dog Rescue has mobilized its extensive network to come to the aid of Wood and her dogs, according to a press release. A local animal hospital is caring for the canine survivors until they can be placed in homes.

"We are committed to Deborah and her 15 fosters to see them through this incredible tragedy and find them all places to stay short-term (fosters), and their long-term future (happy homes)," said Arthur Benjamin, founder and president of American Dog Rescue.

Wood, for her part, despite losing everything, was still focused on the welfare of her animals. "I tried to get all dogs out of my house," she said. "One is in doggie heaven, one is critical [sic] injured, all others, need foster homes today."

Benjamin find Wood's personal commitment to the dogs remarkable. "Ms. Wood’s story touched my heart deeply," he said. "Here is a woman that has devoted her personal time to saving dogs and when disaster struck, her focus has been and remains on the welfare of her sheltered animals."

But Wood herself needs a bit of rescue as well, saying, "I will probably be staying with Red Cross as I don’t have family here and few friends."

Photo courtesy of stock.xchng