Your World

Your World
Capture, share community events

°

Homepage / Jacksonville News
Text Size

Dogs Return To Kennels After Humane Society Fire

Donations Pour In To Help Humane Society

POSTED: Tuesday, April 10, 2007
UPDATED: 11:32 pm EDT April 10, 2007

Three days after a fire devastated its headquarters, the Jacksonville Humane Society has begun moving dogs back into its Southside facility.

The building caught fire early Saturday morning, killing nearly 100 cats and dogs. Firefighters opened as many kennels as they could as they fought the flames and several dogs were seen fleeing the burning building.

Some of the dogs that were rescued from the flames were returned on Tuesday to the kennels that were not damaged during the fire.

Humane Society staff and volunteers said the sight of dogs coming back to the facility was a great thing for them to see.

The dogs appeared happy as well as they left their crates and returned to the larger kennels, from where they will eventually be adopted.

"We will be open for public adoption starting on Monday," said Humane Society Executive Director Leona Sheddan.

City inspectors gave the Humane Society the OK to allow the dogs to return because the kennels were not too badly damaged.

The main problem at the facility is in an adjacent building, where city inspectors hung signs condemning the building.

The condemned building is where the cats were kept.

"We have to find an appropriate facility to house the cats. So, it will probably be a little longer before we bring cats in," Sheddan said. "We are looking at modular buildings, and things of that nature, but will want to make sure that the cats are appropriately housed and comfortable."

The Humane Society also lost its office and computers in Saturday's fire. It has set up a temporary office, where staff will coordinate the adoptions and work to get the full shelter operational.

Workers said the barking dogs in the kennels is a sound they have been waiting to hear.

However, there is still a lot of work to be done at the Humane Society. The fire caused about $1 million worth of damage and part of the complex is listed as a total loss.

The Humane Society said its insurance is expected to pick up some of the cost, but the society is underinsured and that's why it's asking for donations.

Board members and staff said they would rebuild either on their own or in conjunction with the city of Jacksonville.

Since the fire, many people have been making donations, saying they feel compelled because of the animals.

People have taken their donations to the gate of the Humane Society or donated online at the Humane Society's Web site. The public's donations have totaled more than $87,000 -- not including the funds that are being donated via Channel 4's phone bank or the people who have deposited money into bank accounts.

"I would like to see a new facility for the animals," said Brett Chamberlin, who donated to the Humane Society.

A new facility for the animals is part of the Humane Society's plans for the donated money, according to its executive director.

"We have to replace all the equipment that we lost, immediately. The rest of the money is going into a building fund to make sure we get our building built as quickly as possible to be able to take care of the animals appropriately," Sheddan said.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

    • Ida Weakens, But Gulf Still On Warning

      Hurricane Ida - Sunday 10pmLate-season Hurricane Ida weakens as it headed for the Gulf Coast but could still pack hurricane winds and storm surges when it hits the shore tonight night or early tomorrow.

    • Arrest Made In Brunswick Slaying

      Marquel ParkerThe Glynn County Police Department arrest a 21-year-old man in connection with the shooting death of another 21-year-old Sunday afternoon.

    • 11-Year-Old Girl Helps Deliver Baby

      Gainesville baby with mom and sisterAn 11-year-old Gainesville girl called 911 and helped her mom deliver her newborn baby sister when the big moment came before they could get to the hospital.

    • Robbery Suspect Shot By Police

      Awar BrowderThe Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has identified the man police shot after he allegedly robbed a Family Dollar store on the Northside.

    • Nidal Hasan, 9/11 Mosque May Be Linked

      The family of the alleged Fort Hood shooter held his mother's funeral at the same Virginia mosque that two Sept. 11 hijackers attended in 2001, at a time when a radical imam preached there.

  • VideoClick to Expand

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

    • Celebrities Commit Fashion Faux Pas

      David HasselhoffTop-dollar designs don't always provide a good return for the rich and famous. Check out which celebs were caught in fashion flops.

    • Your Photos Of Sea & Sky Spectacular

      Air show pix: Blue Angels jet with flagSEE IT, SNAP IT, SEND IT: Thousands of eyes and nearly as many cameras pointed toward the sky over Jacksonville's beaches this weekend for the Sea & Sky Spectacular.