When a fire broke out in the Forehand home in McLoud over the weekend, the family’s immediate concern was not their own safety but the welfare of the dozens of dogs and cats they have cared for over the past 25 years. Patti and Robert Forehand, who run a private animal sanctuary at 30252 Lakewood Circle, say the blaze left their house uninhabitable, forcing them to sleep in their driveway and improvise temporary housing for the animals.
Fire details and immediate response
Patti Forehand smelled something burning on Friday night and, after checking outlets and breakers, could not locate the source. When she returned home around 9 p.m. she felt “like a sauna” descend from the ceiling. The family called firefighters, who arrived quickly and helped rescue all 49 dogs and 24 cats from the burning structure.
Current living conditions
With the house too damaged to occupy, the Forehands have set up fans and tarps to keep the animals cool in the extreme Oklahoma heat. They are clearing out the garage with the goal of converting it into a temporary shelter, adding air‑conditioning units once the space is cleaned and sealed. “When we get it cleaned out, we can put them in there, close the front off, put some air units in it to get them back like they’re used to,” Robert explained.
Repairs needed and the family’s resolve
The home requires new wiring, ceiling replacement and roof repairs before it can be lived in again. Despite the hardship, Patti says abandoning the animals is not an option. “We’ve always been with the dogs. I’ve never taken a vacation because I won’t leave the dogs,” she said, adding that the family is scared but determined to see the sanctuary through.
How the community can help
The Forehands are asking for donations of dog and cat food, as well as volunteers who can foster animals or provide permanent homes. Local churches, civic groups and concerned neighbors have already begun organizing food drives and offering temporary shelter space. The family hopes that the outpouring of support will allow them to keep the sanctuary operating while they rebuild their home.
Call to action
Residents of McLoud and the surrounding Cleveland County area are encouraged to contact the sanctuary directly at the address above or reach out via the family’s social media pages for ways to contribute. Any amount of food, supplies or monetary donations will go directly to caring for the rescued animals until permanent repairs are completed.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
