70 Dogs Rescued from Danger After Doggie Daycare Catches Fire

Dozens of dogs are okay after being rescued from a fire at a doggy daycare facility in Missouri.

In several posts shared on its official Facebook page, A Howlin’ Good Time dog daycare thanked the community for stepping up to save all 70 canines before fire crews were able to arrive.

“Thank you to everyone in the animal community that came out to help us today all dogs are safe. All parents picking up dogs,” the organization wrote on Tuesday, June 24.

The fire, which caused the building to “partially collapse,” started around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Fox 2 Now confirmed, citing fire officials.

Firefighters credited civilians for stepping in to help, and spoke with Bryan Clouser of Real McCoy Bodywork about how he sprang into action when it mattered most, per the news station.

“Nothing really matters but the life,” the bodyshop employee said in an on-camera interview. “These dogs are like children to these people, and they’re like family members to these people.”

Clouser added, “We stopped working on these cars. We set everything aside. Schedules, agendas, everything, and we get these dogs outta there.”

His auto shop also housed some of the animals until they were able to be reunited with their owners.

“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. All staff and dogs got out safely and are resting comfortably,” A Howlin’ Good Time said in a follow-up Facebook post.

“Again, thank you all for your love and support during this time. Know that we truly love every last one of you and your furbabies,” the business added.

The cause of the “massive” fire remains under investigation, but it appears to have started in the attic of the doggy daycare. Over 30 firefighters from eight different departments came together to battle the flames.

“It has to be miserable,” Alyson Rotter of the Rock Fire Protection District told the news station of crews responding on the hot June day. “To go into a fire in 100-degree heat with all of that gear on… they’re coming out, they’re dripping with sweat.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“They’re exhausted, and they’ll look at you and say, ‘I’m ready to go back in,’” she added.

A Howlin’ Good Time continues to thank those who helped, and has created a GiveSendGo campaign to do so.

Read More…