Rostraver animal shelter destroyed by fire; other groups step in to help
Animal lovers have come to the rescue of a Rostraver woman who lost about a dozen cats early Friday when her house, which also served as an animal shelter, was destroyed by fire.
About two dozen of her cats and eight dogs survived the fire that destroyed Wendi Kraemer’s home along Route 51 near Vernon Drive.
The house was engulfed in flames when Rostraver firefighters arrived about 3:45 a.m., according to the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety.
The fire’s cause is under investigation, Kraemer said.
Kraemer, who was not injured, had so many pets in her house because she operated an animal rescue shelter, the nonprofit Angels Journey Home Animal Rescue.
Other rescue groups step in
That’s when other area animals rescue organizations stepped in Friday.
They’re taking care of the remainder of her animals, which included a rescued goat that was kept outdoors. One organization has taken the goat, said Valerie Hoegel of Youngwood, founder of the HosPaws shelter in Youngwood.
Related:
• 12 cats die in Rostraver fire; foster homes needed for rescued pets
HosPaws, which takes care of pets whose owners are hospitalized, took in three cats Friday at its shelter, and Hoegel said she brought another one home.
When HosPaws posted on its website temporary homes were needed for the pets, Hoegel said they received a great response.
“Everybody comes out and does what they can when they hear about a fire,” Hoegel said. “That’s the last word anyone wants to hear.”
Terri Wolfinger of Greensburg, a volunteer at HosPaws, said she took dog food and water bowls to Kraemer.
Another animal rescue activist, Erica Puskar, spent the day and into the evening attempting to capture cats that had escaped Kraemer’s home but remained on the loose, Hoegel said.
“That girl (Puskar) has put in a heck of an effort,” Hoegel said, adding she expects Puskar will return Saturday morning.
Animal Friends of Youngwood assisted in the effort, Hoegel said.
Kraemer said Friday night she is housing about eight cats and seven dogs in rooms at a Rostraver motel, which is costing her $1,500 for three days’ lodging.
Those interested in assisting in the care of the surviving animals can contact the shelter through its website. Anyone who wants to help by fostering animals can call Kraemer directly at 412-680-0393.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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