The Schultz fire started in Flagstaff on Saturday afternoon thanks to someone’s inability to fully extinguish their camp fire. In just a few days the fire has swallowed up 10,000 acres of beautiful forest land, leaving only black ash in its path. The fire now threatens the San Fransisco peaks. Amazingly, thanks to the courageous work of hundreds of local firefighters no structures have been destroyed but many have been evacuated from their homes. Some of the homeless include 170+ animals from the Second Chance Shelter. These animals who are already essentially homeless, were taken from the only home and security they know, to Ft. Tuthill, a temporary facility. Many of the animals are sick and of course this has caused additional stress for them. The shelter is in desperate need of cash donations to keep up with the additional costs involved with transporting animals and maintaining a temporary facility. Additional items needed are blankets and towels, ice, and dog treats other than milk bones. You can call the shelter for more information on fostering or adoptions during this transition as well as any additional help they may need. (928) 266-6431.
All photos are courtesy of local photographer Garrett Dauphars and are of actual animals at the Second Chance Shelter. Don’t you want to take them home?! You can also get up to date information on Second Chance’s Facebook Page.
I saw these dogs yesterday. I walked the big one with the brown face & black spots, his name is Traveler. Kind of fitting. They were all so sweet.
I want to go see them but I will never be able to leave without at least one.
What is not said in this wonderful commentary is what a Hero’s Jouney this group has made over this last week!
Starting with helping the Coconino Human Association on June 19th as CHA was ordered to evacuate, when the Hardy Fire threatened their facility on the south end of I-40 in East Flagstaff. Within 45 minutes, 60 animals were moved to Second Chance where they and several volunteer and staff settled in for the night.
It was the following morning, with CHA waiting for news they they could return when suddenly, a fast moving second fire developed north of the I-40 off 89 followed by a call to evacaute this facilitity by 1:30. ONE HOUR later animals and staff were on their way to fort Tuthill off the I-17 south of Flagstaff.
These staff (volunteer and paid) have been working 24/7 to ensure that those animals are supported, exercised and cared for according to their needs.
Plateauland Mobile Vet Clinic helped to transport these rescued animals to this new location where now 49 animals have joined them from evacuated families scrambling to cope with the stress of such sudden displacement!
I have participated in emergency response and natiaonal disasters over the last 35 years and have never seen a better response coordinated effort by rescues and staff for the wellbeing for the community.
Please help to support Second Chance Center for Animals with donations and by coming to the Pets in the Pines event this Saturday in Central Flagstaff’s Wheeler Park!
Thank you for all that wonderful information! I had no idea that there were multiple transports going on! Kudos to all the volunteers and staff who are working so hard for these animals!
I’ve been out to help with walking the dogs, cleaning cat cages, and just general support. I can’t tell you how grateful these animals are. While they must be extremely stressed, they are so grateful to just go on a walk, or to just be held. Kudos to the staff of Second Chance, the Humane Association of Flagstaff, Paw Placement and all the other volunteers who have given their time and funds to keep this evacation effort afloat. We chose to foster some kittens too, and they have given us much laughter during this sad time in Flagstaff! Please consider a donation to Second Chance, it will really make a difference!