HOUSTON — A devastating incident unfolded over the weekend as the Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue, based in the Houston area, announced a tragic loss involving rescued dogs.
A transport van that was en route to deliver 11 dogs to their new forever homes caught fire on an Illinois highway. Seven of those beloved dogs perished in the flames, leaving their adopters and foster parents heartbroken.
“Our hearts are broken for the lives lost — beloved pups who were on their way to forever homes. Their adopters are grieving. Their fosters are devastated. The transport team is shattered,” the rescue group expressed in a social media post.
The seven dogs who tragically lost their lives were identified as Sampson, Presto, Clover, Piglet, Lancelot, Poncho, and Penny.
Fortunately, the transport team managed to rescue three other dogs, though the flames spread rapidly, making the situation dire.
Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue conveyed their gratitude toward the drivers who acted heroically during this horrifying event. They highlighted the support received from first responders and community members who rushed to help.
One such Good Samaritan saw a dog fleeing the burning vehicle and, despite the animal suffering severe burns, was able to rescue him. Named Guapo, this dog was quickly taken to Hawthorne Animal Hospital, where dedicated staff worked diligently to save his life.
In a hopeful update released on Monday, Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue shared news regarding Guapo’s recovery. “Guapo is doing pretty well. He’s got several more weeks of therapy,” the rescue noted, adding that the woman who saved him will adopt him once he is fully recovered.
The unfortunate fire took place around 11:30 p.m. on Interstate 270 near Glen Carbon, Illinois, northeast of St. Louis, according to the Illinois State Police.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway.
Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue detailed that the van was traveling from Houston toward New York, with planned stops along the way to drop off adopted dogs.
After this incident, three other dogs — Sasha, Charlie, and Magnolia — were successfully delivered to their adopters.
Rescued dogs from Texas are often sent to be adopted in other states or Canada, where stricter spay/neuter laws contribute to lower numbers of strays and overcrowded shelters. These volunteer-run nonprofits raise funds to cover essential costs associated with transporting the dogs and caring for those that remain in Texas.
In light of the tragedy, Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue expressed a hope that their loss would shine a light on the importance of animal welfare, specifically highlighting the urgent need for stricter spay/neuter and breeding laws in Texas. “We can honor Piglet, Pancho, Penny, Lancelot, Clover, Presto, and Sampson by fighting for change so that we don’t have the need to transport to other states,” the organization stated.
For those looking to assist, Belle’s Buds Rescue is accepting monetary donations to help cover Guapo’s veterinary expenses.
image source from：khou
