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Canine Castaways looking to rebuild after damaged by high winds

Posted at 7:02 PM, May 29, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-29 19:03:13-04

SHELBY COUNTY,  Ind. -- Fountaintown animal rescue Canine Castaways is rebuilding after high winds caused severe damage to their facilities Sunday evening.

“The high winds just came out of nowhere, and just tore everything down,” said Shelly Christie, president of Canine Castaways. “The cages and kennels went flying, and all my dogs were running. They were scared.”

All forty dogs at Canine Castaways were not hurt.

However, dozens of volunteers spent the day Monday trying to rebuilt cages and kennels where the dogs sleep and exercise.

“I’m thankful everybody’s safe,” said Christie. “We are very lucky.”

RTV6 meteorologists said the Shelby County community was under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch Sunday evening, which warned of wind speeds in excess of 60 mph.

Canine Castaways has saved more than 400 dogs from kill shelters.

RELATEDHigh winds destroy barn, damage home in Shelby County

They’re looking for financial donations to help rebuilt, as well as foster and adoptive families for the animals.

“We also need fencing and kennels,” said Christie.  “Our plea is donations, donations, donations, so we can rebuild.”

Volunteer Kimberly Grimes drove down from Westfield after seeing the rescue’s plea for help on Facebook.

“I was shocked so many dogs got loose,” said Grimes. “I’ve never met (Christie) until today. I’m really glad they found all the dogs.”

Christie said it brought tears to her eyes to see so many volunteers come out on Memorial Day to help clean up and rebuild.

“People do come together, and there are great people in this world,” said Christie. “I’m just so glad the dogs are safe. They could’ve died.”

Christie estimates the damage at more than $10,000.

They’ve been in business for nearly two years.

If you’d like to donate, foster or adopt you can contact the rescue here.