Dessin fire leaves shelter ‘homeless’

By SANDY LONG

HONESDALE, PA — For now, the 82 homeless dogs and cats that were housed at Dessin Animal Shelter when a fire torched a shed and part of the main building on October 7 have found temporary shelter in area homes. But a more permanent solution must be determined, since the shelter will be unable to house animals for several weeks pending cleanup and repairs to the 40-year-old facility.

The fire started in a burn barrel, then leapt to a nearby shed that housed non-perishable items like pet carriers, signs and shelving units. Additional damage occurred to the shelter’s outdoor kennel runs and roof, in addition to smoke and water damage.

Staff members and volunteers risked their own safety to remove 82 dogs and cats, all of which have been relocated to temporary foster homes.

Shelter manager Sue Frisch lauded the swift response of emergency personnel and community members who rushed to the scene as soon as the alarms sounded. “I can’t say enough about this community,” said Frisch. “I was in town running errands when the fire started. By the time I got there, people were already out in the parking lot holding the animals. ”

Frisch said she believes that the kind of community support the shelter has enjoyed for many years, and which it so dramatically demonstrated during the fire, will surface again as the need for materials and labor to begin restoring the facility becomes clear. “This may be an opportunity to make some much-needed improvements,” said Frisch.

Although the shelter is temporarily unable to house animals, it continues to operate. Dessin’s thrift store in Honesdale, the Cat’s Pajamas, remains open and is serving as a base of operations for staff members. In addition to monetary donations or gift cards, the shelter welcomes donations of labor or materials. Foster homes are also needed.

For more information, visit www.dessinshelter.com or call 570/647-0057. Donations can also be mailed to Dessin Animal Shelter Disaster Relief Fund, 107 Eighth Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.

Help Dessin win up to $10,000 by voting it your favorite shelter at www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70787 .