Burned canine back with owner; donations kickstart pet rescue fund

Two months after narrowly escaping a house fire in Olney, a 5-year-old yellow lab named Annie Oakley was finally reunited with her owner.

Megan Evans, a local veterinarian technician who donated her services to saving the severely injured dog, said Annie Oakley went home two weeks ago, and has mostly healed from third-degree burns and secondary infections.

“She’s pretty well healed up, although she had some very small wounds left. She and her owner were both very happy,” Evans said.

The Jan. 18 fire consumed the house, and only moments before its collapse, her owner rescued Annie from the flame-engulfed mattress to which she had retreated.

Evans, who has made a habit of donating her time and expertise to injured animals around the valley, drove the dog to Flathead Pet Emergency, which donated a space for her to recover. Evans then started a campaign to raise money for Annie’s medical expenses, which ultimately topped $3,000. Her owner lost everything she had in the fire.

The campaign worked, with more than $5,000 coming in through an online fundraising campaign, “coffee can” donations, and direct donations to the pet hospital and Evans.

Evans said she is putting the remainder toward starting up an animal rescue fund called Flathead Pets Emergency Relief, along with funding the recovery of another yellow lab, Sarah, who suffered life-threatening internal bleeding after swallowing a stuffed animal. Evans said that Sarah has already required three surgeries costing about $2,500.

To donate to the fund , visit facebook.com/groups/603574196442721/