Emily Griffin and Travis Ruiz report from Colorado Springs
Evacuee pets are being accepted in Colorado Springs
With more than 32,000 being evacuated around Colorado Springs because of the Waldo Canyon fire, what about people’s pets?
The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) opened its doors to those evacuee animals, the response was overwhelming, officials said.
With about 350 animals needing immediate housing, officials said they were forced to open up a second emergency shelter.
"We saw a huge need to open up a secondary emergency shelter for pet evacuee and we've done so right now at the Freedom Financial Service Expo Center," Humane Society Communication Specialist Erica Meyer said.
The Expo Center housed 170 animals, including dogs, cats, birds and bunnies. Other animals include ferrets, hamsters and guinea pigs.
"Family and friends came over and evacuated my animals, two dogs and a bird, so I'm just tyring to do another turn,” said volunteer Barbara Yaschick. “I know if it would have been my dog, I would want them to get out of the kennel and be able to walk."
Barbara herself was evacuated from Manitou Springs. Now, with many others, they are coming together to give the pets a safe and temporary home.
"They've all been walked five, six times a day,” Barbara added. “So, it's just a testament to all the volunteer in the community here in Colorado Springs and how everyone is just stepping up and helping wherever they're able."
Officials took all the necessary precautions with the animals to ensure the safety for all.
"Every animal that enters our doors from the pet evacuation has been vaccinated, given booster evacuations, given health checks,” Meyer said.
Money donations are being accepted for the Humane Society.
"Right now, we're really great on in kind donations,” Meyer said. “What we are in need of is monetary donations at this time to help us cover the cost of the medical expenses that we incurring, we're obviously not charging evacuees to take care of their pets."
Donations are being accepted here.
"It's such an emotional time for our community,” Meyer said. “There's such a sense of loss and so we're doing our best to care for animals."
