Fire Breaks Out at Doggy Daycare, Civilians Team Up to Save Dogs

12 hours ago 3

A terrifying fire broke out at a Missouri doggy daycare, but thanks to fast-thinking neighbors and a community that refused to stand by, every single dog was saved. In total, 70 dogs were rescued from the flames that tore through A Howlin’ Good Time dog daycare and hospital on Tuesday, June 24.

The fire began around 2:45 p.m. and quickly escalated, eventually causing part of the building to collapse. Before firefighters even arrived, nearby civilians had already leapt into action. The daycare’s Facebook page shared a series of emotional posts thanking the community, saying, “All dogs are safe. All parents picking up dogs.” They credited local business owners, volunteers, and even strangers for rushing in to help.

One of the heroes was Bryan Clouser, an employee at Real McCoy Bodywork, a local auto shop next door. He and his coworkers didn’t hesitate when they saw the smoke. “Nothing really matters but the life,” Clouser told Fox 2 Now. “These dogs are like children to these people, and they’re like family members to these people.” Without a second thought, they stopped everything they were doing to help evacuate the animals.

The shop also temporarily housed several of the rescued dogs while they waited to be reunited with their families.

In a follow-up message, the daycare expressed deep gratitude: “We would like to thank the entire community for bringing supplies for the humans and dogs, the Elk’s Club for allowing us to use their facility as a staging area to reunite families, and all the amazing guys at Real McCoy Autobody for risking their lives to assist in saving every dog in the building.”

While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, it’s believed to have started in the attic. More than 30 firefighters from eight departments responded to the blaze, battling scorching conditions in nearly 100-degree heat. “They’re exhausted, and they’ll look at you and say, ‘I’m ready to go back in,’” said Alyson Rotter of the Rock Fire Protection District.

Despite the intense heat and dangerous conditions, the outcome was nothing short of a miracle: all dogs and staff survived, and the shelter community grew even stronger.

A Howlin’ Good Time has since launched a GiveSendGo campaign and continues to thank everyone who played a role in saving the lives of their beloved animals.

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