Fire Devastates Jack Russell Terrier Refuge

A two-alarm fire broke out at a small rescue group in Rhinebeck, New York on Thursday morning.  Sadly, 13 Jack Russell terriers’ lives were claimed.  Others made it out alive, and are now in need of supplies, or even better – homes – while Russell Refuge rebuilds.

The Rhinebeck Fired Department was called out to 3500 Route 9G at 8:04 Thursday morning.  Chief Asher immediately called in a second alarm upon his arrival to the blazing Russell Refuge.

Dale Mountan and her husband Paul, an equine veterinarian, live on a horse farm in Rhinebeck, NY.  Dale started a small refuge for JRTs 25 years ago, and has since rescued over 1000 dogs from the northeastern US.

The wooden structure on the Mountans’ property that houses the pups caught fire and burned to the ground.  There were 19 dogs on the premises, with 13 of them perishing.  The Mountans and their staff are devastated by the loss of those tiny lives, some of whom were saved from euthanasia only to succumb to the quick-spreading fire.

“Donation made in honor of the senior Jack Russell they took, with great kindness, from my town shelter,” commented Barbara Perfetti Parish.  “He was going to be PTS and they gave him back his golden years.”

The six surviving dogs are being houses at a local veterinary office until another place for them to stay can be found.

Due to extensive damage, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

If you would like to help Russell Refuge rebuild, please CLICK HERE.  They also have an Amazon Wish List.

An update from the rescue group came at 7 pm on Thursday:

We would like to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, emails and donations today. Many of you have been asking what items we need to take care of the terriers so we are asking for the following:

• Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• Paper Towels
• Tarps (clear and white – 12′ x 16′ and 10′ x 12′)
• Small Size Milk Bones
• Soft Treats for our Senior dogs (Milo’s Soft Treats)
• Wellness WellBars
• 1 quart Stainless Steel Bowls
• Monetary donations (one-time and sponsorships)

At this time, we do not need any additional blankets or dog crates. Our mailing address is displayed below. Thank you again for your support of the Russell Refuge.

Russell Refuge, Inc.
PO Box 725
Rhinebeck, NY 12572