Created: 4/8/2007 9:27:49 PM 
By Angela Williams First Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The Jacksonville Humane Society is picking up the pieces after a devastating fire demolishes the shelter. 95 animals are still unaccounted for.
"They know that this is the place to come when they're looking for their new best friend," says Executive Director Leona Sheddon with the Jacksonville Humane Society.
Right now man's best friend and feline pals are in need of help.
Humane Society workers and volunteers spent Sunday afternoon at a nearby shelter with the 78 animals who survived the fire, giving them a chance to stretch their legs and a little TLC.
Investigators say the fire began in the back of the building near the laundry room. The fire spared most of the dogs housed in the kennel area, but the cats were not as fortunate. The fire caused the roof to collapse over the cat area. It housed 75 cats, some of which died in the fire.
"The fire walls did what they were supposed to do and protected the dog kennels so we still have kennels available for housing animals. Obviously they did free cats because they did get out into the property, and we have been rounding them up again and making sure they're ok health wise," says Sheddon.
Emotions for everyone have been a bit on edge. Sheddon says grief counselors met with volunteers and workers about the devastating loss.
"In the moments that you have free to think about what's happened, it breaks your heart, because our staff deals with these animals on a daily basis. They touch them, they love them and it's a very deep loss for all of our staff," says Sheddon.
The Humane Society is hoping to open up for adoptions on Tuesday. They are keeping true to their promise that there?s still a friendly face here for everyone.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but foul play is not suspected. The fire broke out early Saturday around two in the morning. Fire fighters battled flames 30 feet high while trying to rescue the cats and dogs. One fire fighter was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.
The Jacksonville Humane Society is accepting cash donations. Through the generosity of the public, Leona Sheddon says $30,000 has been collected.
The shelter says they have enough food and blankets but are accepting dog toys. Damages estimate around one million dollars.
Related article:
Several Animals Dead After Humane Society Fire ©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
