Jill Pessot, director of Pet Save, poses with Shizzle, a two year old female collie-shepherd who was recently rescued from a home that was destroyed by fire 35 km north of Cochrane. The man who owned the dogs died in the fire.

Jill Pessot with Shizzle. Photo by Marg Seregelyi.

They were being cared for at Paula’s Canine Country Club in Val Caron before being transported to the Pet Save adoption centre in Lively. Pessot said a total of 60 dogs have been removed from the area so far and rescue agencies across Ontario are helping to find homes for the animals. The animals are “stressed,” Pessot said.

“They were not neglected or abused in any way. The man loved these dogs. But their numbers just grew out of hand very quickly.” Before adoption, the dogs will be spayed, neutered and vaccinated.

Anyone wishing to donate money or food to the organization can go to www.petsave.ca. Recently, Pet Save opened a thrift store at 23 Main St. in Chelmsford.