LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Clayton fire started on Aug. 13. By the time the fire was contained, it had burned a total of 3,929 acres and has destroyed 300 buildings.

During those long days, there were hundreds of families displaced. If the Valley fire taught the Clayton fire victims anything, it was to take their animals with them when the evacuated.

Taking the animals brought the new problem; what to do with the animals when you don’t have a place for yourself?

Lake County Animal Care and Control's Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection team and the SPCA of Lake County opened the SPCA facility and welcomed in the evacuated pets.

In addition, the SPCA of Lake County partnered with Orphan Dog Ranch Rescue to provide a place for people to bring donations of pet supplies and a place for people in need to get pet supplies.

The tiny project to provide for pets with the support of the community soon needed a location in Lower Lake.

The people most affected by the fire needed easier access to the pet supplies. It was with the help of Century 21 North Bay Alliance in Lower Lake that Orphan Dog Ranch Rescue, SPCA of Lake County and Jameson Rescue Ranch could start the Pet Pantry in a donated space next to the Century 21 North Bay Alliance office.

The Pet Pantry was open for just over 60 days. During that time, Orphan Dog, SPCA and JARR served hundreds of dogs and cats, along with many rabbits, birds, hamsters, rats, ducks and a couple of turtles.

Orphan Dog, the SPCA and JARR are all proud of the work they did in those 60ish days. They met so many in the community and got a sense of the need there.

They were also able to let the community know about the free spay and neuter programs – the Clearlake Pet Project administered through the SPCA of Lake County and FIX Lake County administered through Orphan Dog.

“Century 21 NorthBay Alliance is a proud sponsor of many local organizations in Lake County,” said Jeff Collaso, manager/owner of the Century 21 office.

The Pet Pantry is so grateful to Century 21 for their support. They also want to thank the community, businesses, and other rescue groups for their support during this difficult time. The donations made a huge difference to a lot of pet families.

Anyone needing help to care for their pets should contact the SPCA of Lake County at 707-279-1400. A limited Pet Pantry will be available during spay/neuter and immunization clinics. The SPCA of Lake County is also taking donations to continue the program on a limited basis.