York animal rescue gets $79K in donations after fire

Two weeks after a fire destroyed three structures and killed 16 dogs at a York-area animal shelter, the rescue is getting back on its feet after a surge of donations.

Richardson Rescue has received more than $79,000 in donations from across the world, including an emergency grant of $3,000 from the Humane Society of the United States, said owner Janet Richardson.

“The community outreach has been inspiring,” Richardson said.

In addition to the monetary donations, the rescue has received large amounts of bedding, toys, food, medication and other items in donations.

Now, with all the rubble from the fire nearly gone, the challenge is figuring out exactly how to rebuild.

Richardson said she and her staff are unsure whether to build a permanent structure or replace the trailer, which was destroyed in the fire, and add more permanent structures.

“We’ve looked at a few buildings that just weren’t suitable,” Richardson said. “We’re trying to move quickly, but we want to get it right.”

In the meantime, recovery and regular rescue operations are continuing out of Richardson’s home that sits on the same property as the rescue.

Adoptions continue to be processed and the shelter is taking in animals again, Richardson said.

“We ain’t stopping,” she said.

This story was originally published March 11, 2015 at 2:42 PM with the headline "York animal rescue gets $79K in donations after fire."