LUMBERTON, N.J. (WPVI) — A South Jersey animal rescue is working to recover after melting snow and ice apparently flooded their storage unit filled with supplies.
Members of Gone Rogue Girl Rescue Inc. arrived at the storage facility to get ready for an adoption event over the weekend to find the unit frozen shut.
After a worker helped them get inside, they discovered extensive damage to their items, including dog crates and dozens of donated treats. Other items included busted shampoo bottles, soaked dog beds, toys and pet clothing.
“All of our crates are rusted, and some of these are brand new,” said founder and president Brooke Thompson.
The nonprofit foster-based rescue, which focuses on giant dog breeds, is still tallying up its losses and documenting the damage and working through the claims process with Extra Space Storage, which operates the facility on Route 38 in Lumberton.
They’re not sure how long that process will take, but have secured an arrangement in the meantime.
“Basically, they told us they’re going to give us another unit for less money,” said vice president Jess Clayton.
Some items were spared because they weren’t stored off the floor.
On Monday evening, Thompson and Clayton were moving items that were still in good shape into the new unit, though they are largely starting over. The rescue says new donations have already begun coming in after posting a plea for help on social media.
While the flooding will not stop the rescue’s work, Thompson said it is a major setback.
“We’ve done a lot, this kills us,” she said.
The rescue said it is not aware of any other storage units at the facility reporting damage.
Action News has reached out to Extra Space Storage at the corporate level and is awaiting a response.
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