Belton nonprofit dog shelter raising funds after fire kills dog, displaces 17 others
A Belton nonprofit animal shelter is asking for donations in the wake of a fire that displaced 17 dogs and killed one on Monday.
Belton firefighters responded to Lily’s Play-N-Stay on a smoke alarm call at approximately 1:30 p.m. on 511 Main Street, according to a Facebook post from the Belton Fire Department and Fire Marshal Chris Beal.
An oscillating fan hung on a cinder block wall in the one of the rooms caused an electrical fire, Beal said.
“It burned up completely,” Beal said about the fan. “The fan was completely melted, and the motor was laying on the ground.”
Crews discovered smoke and fire inside the building. Firefighters quickly located and extinguished the fire, rescuing one dog from a room in the pet boarding facility and relocating the other dogs. The dog was taken to be treated for smoke inhalation by a Lily’s employee.
The building is intact with damages estimated to be around $20,000 with a few ceiling tiles catching fire, according to Beal.
The dog that died was a 17-year-old who was a part of the Lily’s Play-N-Stay organization for many years. The dog died after receiving treatment for smoke inhalation at the emergency veterinarian clinic, the nonprofit said in its statement.
“This loss has affected us deeply,” the statement said. “Lily’s is a small, local business made up of real people who love and care deeply for every pet entrusted to us. Navigating this moment is something we never imagined facing, so we sincerely appreciate your patience and support.”
Boarding operations for the nonprofit have been moved to its rehab shelter, Lily’s Rescue Rehab, at 1016 N. Scott Ave. The organization is asking for donations, as the most helpful option to support, to be sent to their Venmo account: LilysPlayNStay-25.
“We have been incredibly moved by how many people have reached out asking how they can support Lily’s during this time,” Lily’s Play-N-Stay posted. “This has been a very difficult moment for our team and our business. “Every message, prayer, and kind word has already meant more than we can express. Any additional support that helps cover veterinary expenses and other immediate needs in the weeks ahead is deeply appreciated.”
