This Sunday, January 15th, the Olympia community will have Candlelight Vigil for the dogs that died in a January 5 fire at Furever Homes Dog Rescue.
Three mother dogs and their fifteen puppies died of smoke inhalation. Twenty dogs survived.
These dogs survived the fire at Furever Homes. Other than thin blankets, it doesn’t appear the dogs have anything protecting them from the concrete floor during this week’s subzero temperatures. Image from KIRO 7.
Thurston County resident can have up to three dogs. Anyone that has more is supposed to get a kennel license. Although almost forty dogs were at the residence, Furever Homes founder Sharon Gold didn’t obtain a kennel license before moving the dogs there.
Last year at the rescue’s previous location, Thurston County Permitting and Land Use Office served notice to Gold that she was in violation of the ordinance limiting residents to 3 dogs.
There is no record showing Gold ever applied for a permit at that location either.
The vigil will last from 4PM to 5:30PM at 320 4th Avenue W in Olympia next to the Oyster House Restaurant.
The vigil organizers posted this note on the event’s Facebook page:
“This is a Peaceful Vigil. Please keep judgements and hate behind your gate. Animal Guardians are welcome to bring their well-behaved, leashed, dogs or cats; at their own risk and responsibility.
To reiterate, this is a peaceful vigil, not a protest or demonstration. Please act accordingly.
This is such a terrible, heartbreaking event that cost 18 beautiful dogs their lives. I will pray for the lives lost & all the other canines who lived. I am sure it was very traumatic for all involved. God is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. RIP