Two Salford dog wardens worked through the night to help rescue animals trapped inside the blaze at Manchester Dogs Home – despite having to be on shift at 8am this morning.
Erica Eaton and Will Harris helped transport four ‘stressed and scared’ dogs to safety and stayed until 2am to help deal with the aftermath of the fire.
More than 150 dogs were rescued from the centre as hundreds of people arrived at the scene, on Moss Bank Road in Harpurhey, with food, cages and blankets after the fire broke out last night.
Erica, who works at Turnpike House, said: “I was getting ready for bed when I had a call from one of our rescue helpers asking us to go down there and help transport dogs over to Cheshire Dogs Home.
“You could tell they were stressed and scared but they were so well behaved in the back of the van.
“When we got there we found one had a burn on her nose so she was whisked away to the vets.”
At present more than £750,000 has been raised through a JustGiving page as dozens of volunteers have offered to rehome the surviving dogs.
“Everyone pitched in, from local councils to the RSPCA and had it covered; the response was fantastic,” added Erica.
“We’ve had several people contact us today offering food and donations for the home which is lovely.
“The home is being inundated with offers at the moment so we will take them in at Turnpike House and pass them on to the home in a week or so, once they’ve sorted out new storage.”
The duo were award a City’s Mayor award earlier this year for their efforts helping animals and City Mayor Ian Stewart praised the pair for their work last night.
“Will and Erica are devoted to dogs, so I’m not surprised they rushed to help and worked into the early hours,” he said.
“Their dedication is fantastic and we should all be very proud of them.”
Donations of items such as food, treats or leads for Manchester Dogs Home can be dropped off at The Lodge at Turnpike House, Eccles New Road and at the main reception at Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton.
Donations will be accepted between the hours of 8.30 and 4pm.
To donate to Manchester Dogs’ Home, click here.
