Wednesday, January 22nd 2025, 10:35 am
Choctaw’s only animal rescue, Fur Ever Friends Rescue, was devastated Tuesday after a fire burned down a barn housing dozens of animals.
Now, the community is rallying around the owner, Diane, to help her rebuild.
“She’s lost everything in that barn,” Kim West, Diane’s best friend said. “This is more than just a rescue.
Heroic acts during the fire
The fire began just before 7 a.m. Tuesday and quickly engulfed the entire barn where Diane housed her animals.
“I get a phone call at 7 a.m. of her just screaming and so distraught that her barn was on fire,” West said.
West said Diane saw the fire spark and immediately jumped into action.
“Diane saved a lot of animals at the risk of her own life and that says a lot for her,” West said.
According to West, she ran inside to save as many dogs as she could when the barn went up in flames.
She was treated for smoke inhalation and is expected to be okay.
The aftermath
The owner’s efforts saved dozens of dogs, but several animals still died in the fire.
The flames also destroyed all of the rescue supplies.
“This is just really devastating,” West said.
Smoke was still billowing out of the collapsed barn late into the morning as volunteers from the tight-knit community flooded in.
“We knew that immediately when we got the call we needed to step up and be there,” Juliana McLaughlin said.
She volunteers with Dirt Road Dogs Daycare and Boarding in Choctaw. Her business is one of many stepping up to help Fur Ever Friends transport and house displaced dogs.
“We wish them the best and we’ll be here to help them rebuild as much as they need,” McLaughlin said.
How can you help?
Fur Ever Friends is counting on help from the community it serves.
“Dog food, dog leashes, dog collars. It’s just everything you can think for a dog, that’s what Diane is going to need,” West said.
You can click here to donate to Fur Ever Friends GoFundMe or drop off donations in person outside the shelter at 13648 Redbud Rd. in Choctaw, at Petsense by Tractor Supply in Choctaw, or at Bob Moore Subaru in Edmond.
Sergio’s Italian Bistro is also hosting a profit-share fundraiser and taking donations on Sunday, January 26. Click here for more information.
Cameron Joiner joined the News 9 team as a Multimedia Journalist in January of 2023. Cameron was born and raised in Sugar Land, Texas, just outside of Houston. Though she is a Texan at heart she has fallen in love with Oklahoma. She came to the Sooner State to attend OU, where she majored in Broadcast Journalism.
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