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Wagoner County House Fire Leaves Five Dogs Homeless, Foster Care Urgently Needed

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 10:29 GMT by Fox 23
      Locale: Oklahoma, UNITED STATES

Devastating House Fire in Wagoner County Leaves Five Dogs Homeless – Urgent Foster Care Needed

A devastating house fire ripped through a home in Wagoner County, Oklahoma last week, leaving five dogs displaced and desperately needing foster homes. The incident has spurred a community effort to find temporary care for the animals while their owner navigates the aftermath of the tragedy and works towards permanent housing solutions. The story highlights not only the immediate crisis but also the ongoing challenges faced by animal shelters and rescue organizations already stretched thin in the region.

According to Fox 23 News, the fire occurred on Thursday, October 19th, at a residence near Porum, Oklahoma. While thankfully no human injuries were reported, the house was deemed a total loss, leaving everything – including the dogs’ belongings – destroyed. The owner, identified as Sarah Johnson, is currently staying with family and understandably overwhelmed by the situation.

The five dogs involved are a mix of breeds and ages: three adult dogs (a German Shepherd/Husky mix named Shadow, a Pit Bull mix named Diesel, and a senior Beagle named Blue) and two puppies, believed to be a Labrador Retriever/Hound mix. All five animals were rescued from the scene by Wagoner County Emergency Medical Services personnel and taken into the care of the Wagoner County Animal Shelter.

"It's heartbreaking," stated Sarah Johnson in an interview with Fox 23. "Everything is gone. My babies are safe, but I don’t know what we’re going to do.” She emphasized her deep connection to the dogs, describing them as her family and expressing profound gratitude for the community’s support.

The Wagoner County Animal Shelter, already operating at capacity, quickly realized they couldn't provide long-term care for the five displaced canines. This is a common predicament for rural shelters often struggling with limited resources and space. According to their website (linked in the Fox 23 article), the shelter typically houses around 40 animals, but this number fluctuates depending on intakes and adoptions. The sudden influx of five more dogs significantly strains their ability to provide adequate care, including food, medical attention, and socialization.

The situation underscores a larger problem facing animal welfare organizations across Oklahoma and nationwide: a critical shortage of foster homes. Foster programs are essential for shelters as they offer animals a temporary home environment, reducing stress, improving socialization, and freeing up kennel space for other rescues. Without fosters, shelters often face overcrowding, which can lead to increased disease transmission and behavioral issues in the animals under their care.

The Wagoner County Animal Shelter is now actively appealing to the public for foster homes to provide a safe haven for Shadow, Diesel, Blue, and the two puppies. They are specifically seeking individuals or families willing to commit to caring for the dogs until Johnson can secure permanent housing and potentially reclaim them. Potential fosters must meet certain criteria, including having experience with dogs, providing a secure environment (fenced yard is preferred), and being able to transport the animals to vet appointments if necessary.

The article also references a GoFundMe campaign set up by a friend of Sarah Johnson's, aiming to help cover expenses related to replacing lost belongings and assisting with temporary housing needs for both Johnson and her dogs. As of this writing, the campaign has raised over $5,000 towards its $10,000 goal. (You can find the GoFundMe link in the original Fox 23 article).

The plight of these five dogs shines a light on the vulnerability of animals during times of crisis and the critical role that community support plays in their welfare. While the fire was undoubtedly traumatic for Sarah Johnson, the outpouring of compassion from neighbors and strangers demonstrates the enduring bond between humans and animals. The Wagoner County Animal Shelter continues to work tirelessly to find suitable foster homes, emphasizing that even a short-term commitment can make a significant difference in the lives of these displaced dogs.

How You Can Help:

• Foster Homes: If you live in or near Wagoner County and are able to provide temporary care for one or more of the dogs, contact the Wagoner County Animal Shelter directly.
• Donations: Contribute to Sarah Johnson’s GoFundMe campaign to assist with her recovery efforts and ensure the dogs' basic needs are met.
• Spread Awareness: Share this story on social media to help reach a wider audience and increase the chances of finding foster homes for these deserving animals.
• Support Local Shelters: Consider donating your time or resources to local animal shelters and rescue organizations, even if you cannot personally foster an animal.

This situation serves as a poignant reminder that community support is vital when disaster strikes, and that acts of kindness can truly make a difference in the lives of those affected – both human and animal.