Dozens of volunteers have offered to rehome dogs affected by the blaze at Manchester Dogs’ Home that killed at least 60 animals last night.
More than 150 dogs were rescued from the centre as hundreds of people arrived at the scene of the fire on Moss Bank Road in Harpurhey with food, cages and blankets.
Cheshire Dogs’ Home, in Warrington, has offered to take in the dogs after the suspected arson attack but no plans have yet been announced about the future of the dogs.
Rachel Hayes, who has volunteered at Manchester Dog’s Home, is one of thousands devastated by the news of the fire.
“I heard about it last night and I just cried because I got a dog from there and I have volunteered there,” she told MM.
“I just hope that they didn’t suffer whether it was the fire or the smoke that got them.
“I wanted to go down but my boyfriend saw that the home had tweeted no more people to go down because hundreds of people were already there.
“I’m just absolutely devastated, and can’t believe that someone might have done this.”
A JustGiving page set up in the wake of the blaze has already raised more than £450,000 and Rachel is proud of the response to the tragedy.
“I’ve heard a couple of people even went in to save the dogs breaking down doors which is just the bravest thing and I’m so pleased that so many people came to the aid with food and blankets,” she said.
“I’m going to go down later and ring them up to see about rehoming any dogs and hopefully others will be able to do the same.”
And the Tameside resident, who used to take many of the dogs from the shelter on walks and has two of her own, is willing to do all she can to help in the situation.
Rachel is not the only one offering to rehome, as Sophie Thomas is also one of many looking to help.
“I will do anything I can to help, whether it be helping to rebuild or offering my home to the helpless dogs who have suffered so much already,” she said.
“It’s about time they felt that someone cares about them. They have been through so much already.
“It really is great to see so many people rallying together and I want to be able to do something to help.”
Rachel added: “It’s run by people who just love dogs probably more than they love people.
“They give the clothes off their back to a dog and they work so hard.”
The RSPCA have released a statement for anyone wanting to rehome.
“Members of the public who would like to find out about fostering or rehoming dogs from MDH are advised to contact them directly as the situation may be updated in the coming days and weeks.
“We are advising people who want to offer help and support to keep an eye out for updates as they become available. There are also online donation pages to support Manchester Dogs Home.”
To donate to Manchester Dogs’ Home, click here.
Image courtesy of @Manchesterfire with thanks.
