Oregon dog rescue group faces $1,500 storm-repair bill after recent flooding

An area dog rescue group is facing a sizable construction bill after its facility was damaged by storm-related flooding a week ago.

Jane Huth, founder and president of You Lucky Dog in Oregon, said she went to the kennels where the group’s rescue dogs are kept about 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 14 after the storm had blown through the area.

“I saw water creeping toward the kennels and I knew I had to do something fast,” she said.

She created a dam in front of where the group’s current three dogs are residing to keep the water from reaching them.

Insurance handled the cleanup portion of the storm’s aftermath, which caused the city sewer drain to back up into the facility, but will not pay the $1,500 bill to replace the water-logged drywall and flooring.

“Our annual operating budget is only about $2,000,” Ms. Huth said. “This is really a huge hit for us because we are not very big.”

The nonprofit organization relies solely on donations to run its facility.

Despite the group’s small size, it manages to rescue about 25 dogs a year, the majority of which are from the Lucas County dog warden, Ms. Huth said. The group recently celebrated its 11th year in operation and its 550th adoption.

“You Lucky Dog is probably the smallest-scale transfer partner that we have — they typically have around four dogs at a time — but they have been very prolific in taking dogs from us over the past two years,” Lucas County Dog Warden Julie Lyle said.

The group has taken several litters of puppies, nursing moms and litters, dogs recovering from significant injuries, and some of the dog warden’s longest residents, Ms. Lyle said.

Those interested in helping make a tax-deductible donation to help the rescue group can mail it to You Lucky Dog, 1510 Blandin St., Oregon, OH 43616. An account has also been set up in the group’s name at Sun Federal Credit Union, 1917 Pickle Rd., Oregon, OH 43616.

Contact Tanya Irwin at:tirwin@theblade.comor 419-724-6066.