By Paige Orr, Fox23 News
WAGONER COUNTY, Okla. — A house fire in Wagoner County earlier this week has left five dogs without a home, and local animal rescues are racing to find them foster families.
Memphis Street Animal Rescue has taken in three of the dogs, but two larger dogs are still in limbo. With no animal services available in the rural area, rescue organizations are the only hope these animals have.
“There was a house fire in Wagoner County earlier this week where five dogs were recovered and where they were able to save them from the house fire,” said Natalie Coe, founder and director of Memphis Street Animal Rescue. “However, there are still two larger breed dogs that need assistance and with them being in Wagoner County, unfortunately there are no animal services available out there.”
All five dogs survived the fire. Memphis Street Animal Rescue stepped in to help three smaller dogs after another rescue, Pitiful Pups, could only house them for one day. The dogs smelled like smoke but appear to be in decent health. They’re now being vetted and will be up for adoption soon.
The two larger dogs have possible skin issues and are still waiting for placement. Coe says the rescue is out of kennel space.
“We have multiple organizations working together to try and help these animals, which happens fairly often,” Coe said. “When there’s not a city or a government entity that can step in, we really try to help where we can. Unfortunately, we are just limited by space.”
Oklahoma Animal Alliance has offered to assist with some of the vetting costs if a foster or boarding cost coverage can be found.
Coe says this isn’t a one-time problem. Just two days before the fire, they were dealing with two stray dogs that showed up at a business. It’s a constant stream of animals in need.
“We don’t know what the outcome of these specific dogs is going to be right now because multiple rescues, including us, are not able to assist at this time,” Coe said. “I really hope that we are able, not just for our organization, but for others to have fosters just waiting rather than us constantly having to beg for space and donations.”
The rescue says fostering saves lives. Organizations typically provide vet care, food, crates, toys and other supplies. Foster families can often specify preferences, such as taking smaller dogs versus larger dogs.
“Without people willing to open their home and their hearts and their doors to these dogs and cats for that matter, we aren’t able to help as many,” Coe said.
Memphis Street Animal Rescue is asking for foster families and monthly donors. More information is available at https://oklahomapaws.com/.
