Animal Hospitals Boarding Animals For Free, Citizens Offer Their Homes
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - Many people who have been evacuated from the High Park Fire are still scrambling to find a place for their animals, and now generous citizens are reaching out to help those in need.
The Larimer Humane Society is accepting small animals, but says they are at capacity for dogs. They are working with other organizations to take anymore they might get. Large animals like horses or livestock can be taken to the evacuation center at the Larimer County Fairgrounds in Loveland.
Some citizens have been placing offers to help on Craigslist. Some are offering free boarding for horses and others are offering rooms in their homes at no charge. Even more are offering to take in dogs and are giving away food and clothing.
The Moore Animal Hospital in Fort Collins has been voluntarily taking in animals. Some of the animals were rescued and brought in by firefighters. The hospital is hoping people with missing animals will contact them to see if they are there.
"We have met quite a few owners who are just thankful that their pets have somewhere to stay," Stephanie Campbell with Moore Animal Hospital said. "We've met a couple of dogs that are just so panicked, and when they finally get into the air conditioning and out of the smoke and the fire you can see them just relax."
The staff will make sure the animals aren't homeless until their owners find them.
"People are panicked, they're trying to figure out what to do with their lives," Campbell said. "We're offering free boarding. That includes walks, care, shelter and food."
The food representative for the Moore Animal Hospital has authorized donated dog and cat food to evacuees. They can pick up the food at the hospital.
Carl Collins and his family have only lived in Colorado for two months. They moved from Great Britain and have never dealt with a wildfire.
"We're not used to this kind of thing, coming from Britain," Collins said. "It's just overwhelming, so we're doing whatever we can."
The site of the blaze made them want to help their new community. They are collecting clothing and furniture to help fire victims begin to piece their lives back together.
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