|
 DENVER,
Colo. (USA) — The biggest fire in Colorado history still rages
on, stubbornly spreading eastward and outward, despite the best efforts of firefighters
from all over the United States.
The Hayman fire, named for the spot where it is believed to have been
started over a week ago southwest of Denver, is just one of about half a
dozen fires that have erupted in the dry, windblown areas of the Midwest
this month. The Hayman has already incinerated more
than 113,000 acres of wilderness and habitation.
Four counties—Jefferson, Douglas, Teller and Park—have been hit
worst, and despite timely evacuations, the scarcity of shelter and
supplies is hitting humans and even worse, animals.
Our dedicated California ace, Kathy
Ryan, visited the hard-hit areas of
Colorado this weekend and reported back: "The few festival grounds
are already packed with animals. They need food and hay etc. I
know it's hard to mail hay but PLEASE contact the Red
Cross and see what you can do. The tragedy is beyond
belief."
|
"Dogs
and cats are missing
...hopefully not forever... people are having to paint their names
and phone numbers on their horses and send them off to God knows
where hoping they can escape the fire and eventually be
found"
Kathy Ryan,
Correspondent
reporting from Colorado
|
|
"Clancy" and Harold Petersen wait
at their camper on Monday, June 17, hoping they'll have a home
to return to. (Photo: M. Spencer Green / AP)
|
Neither humans nor dogs are any strangers to disaster, especially in
recent months. And once again, despite the worst situations, we find
that there are countless friends out there who are willing to help.
With the assistance of several Denver-area news services (particularly
the Denver
Post), we've compiled a list of emergency resources for those in
need of help for their animals.
| EDITOR'S NOTE: Anyone who has been evacuated or critically affected by the fire
probably won't be plugged into the internet and reading The Scoop
this week. But to anyone who can get word to some of these
displaced families with animals, please do your best to pass on the info
along with our sincerest hopes. |
|
|
 "Jesta"
the Malamute and Hallie Bradley grab a spot of grass outside
the Garfield Co. Courthouse in Glenwood Springs awaiting a forest
service briefing. They were among the thousands who were
evacuated from homes on Saturday. (Photo: Ed Andrieski / AP)
|
| "I grabbed legal papers, my family photos, some
clothes, three cats and a dog, and got out."
Lorrie Ciceri, of Pine,
Colorado |
Helping the Animals
Below is just a sampling of the many organizations out there
helping in this time of need. However, many
of the groups listed may already be inundated, so please call first before
transporting animals.
-
For emergency animal evacuation assistance, call the Emergency
Operations Center at 303-814-7070.
-
The Buddy
Center ( 4556 Castleton Court, Castle Rock) is accepting
evacuated pets. Livestock and exotic pets are not accepted. Call
303-435-9051 or the Denver Dumb Friends League at 303-751-5772.
-
Table Mountain Animal Center
4105 Youngfield Service Road, Golden,
will accept animals for temporary shelter at no cost. Call
303-278-7575.
-
High Prairie
Farms is taking in horses
at 7522 S. Pinery Parkway, Parker.
-
The Jefferson County Fairgrounds is also sheltering large
animals at:
15200 W. 6th Ave., Golden.
Call 303-271-6603.
-
The Douglas County Fairgrounds
cannot accept any more evacuated
animals. Donations of grass hay are still needed for animals
previously evacuated. Call 720-733-6903.
-
Front Range Equine Rescue is boarding horses and other large animals
from Teller and Park counties. Donations are needed of grass hay to
feed evacuated animals.
Call 719-495-6389 or 719-599-5100.
-
Pet World in Lakewood is accepting donations of dog and cat food and
cat litter for small animals that have been evacuated to the Douglas
County Animal Shelter. Call 303-237-4040.
-
The Denver Dumb
Friends League is coordinating the Colorado Animal Emergency
Relief Fund to collect donations to help buy food for animals affected
by the fires. Checks may be sent to:
|
The Dumb Friends League
Colorado Animal Emergency Relief
2080 S. Quebec St, Denver CO 80231
Call 303-792-9900, Ext. 608
or 800-227-4645, Ext. 608.
|
-
Western Horseman magazine has established a fund for evacuated
animals. Donations may be sent to:
|
Animal Feed Fund c/o W. Horseman P.O. Box
7980
Colorado Springs, CO 80933.
Call 719-633-5524.
|
UPDATE, Added June 27:
aussielads.com has set up a rescue page with pictures of dogs
displaced by the Midwest fires. Click on the above image to see who
needs a new home. Thanks to dogality.com
for the tip!
§§§
Headlines
Prev  Next
|
