Rescuers Arrive At Burned House — And Find 34 Lives To Save

"This family was already in over their heads before the fire.”

A family was sitting around their house on New Year's Eve when the power suddenly went out.

Then they heard some popping sounds coming from the electrical outlets — something was seriously wrong.

Shortly after the family managed to leave, the house totally went up in flames. 

Burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps

The family was already overwhelmed with responsibilities because of the animals they'd taken in as pets. Eighteen dogs, six cats, nine chickens and one duck depended on the family for their lives. Thankfully, none perished in the fire; many already lived in little sheds outside

Animals found by burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps

The family — and their 34 animals — officially had no home. But help was on the way.

Burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps

“It was obvious from the living conditions these animals were being housed in that this family was already in over their heads before the fire,” Amy Haverstick, director of investigations and logistics for Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), said in a statement. “I’m grateful that they have surrendered all of the animals to us and now they can focus on themselves and we can find proper placement for their animals.”

Dog found by burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps
Dog saved near burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps

When rescuers from ARC arrived, they found dogs chained to trees and living in small pens that gave them little shelter from the frigid temperatures. The six cats were running loose in the yard, also suffering from the cold. 

Animals found by burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps
Animal rescuers by burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps

Now, every single animal who had been struggling to survive on so little has found warmth and shelter at ARC's shelter in Lebanon, Tennessee. 

Dog chained to try near burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps
Dog found by burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps

Rescuers at ARC have been upping their efforts to help pets kept outside during the recent cold spell. This week they also rescued 13 dogs kept in shacks by a breeder who voluntarily surrendered them to rescuers.

Cats found by burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps
Man rescuing duck from outside burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps

The dangerous cold spell that recently swept across the U.S. put so many lives in danger — luckily, these rescues have successfully given animals another chance at life. 

Chickens saved from near burned down house in Illinois
Animal Rescue Corps
Dog saved from outside burned down house getting medical care
Animal Rescue Corps

The family is currently housed in a local motel while they figure out their next steps. Luckily, everyone is involved is safe from the cold.

"[The animals] will receive any and all necessary medical treatments and vaccinations before being transported to placement partners around the U.S. where they will eventually be up for adoption," ARC said.

Dog saved from neglect gets bed at rescue center
Animal Rescue Corps
Rescued puppy sleeps at rescue center after being saved from neglect
Animal Rescue Corps
If you are interested in adopting one of these animals, follow ARC on Facebook for upcoming news about this process. You can also help ARC save more animals by making a donation.