Dogs ready for adoption after Merritt Island house fire

TITUSVILLE, Fla.

UPDATE: SPCA of Brevard is now accepting applications to adopt the dogs rescued from a  Merritt Island house fire last week.

Anyone who would like to apply can visit the SPCA of North Brevard website.

EARLIER STORY:

Friday the 13th was a lucky day for seven Australian shepherds who arrived at the SPCA of Brevard Adoption Center, News 6 partner Florida Today reported.

"Hi, gorgeous!" SPCA associate director Angie Friers cooed as the seven furry dogs were carried and led out of Brevard County Animal Services vans.

Sign up for ClickOrlando breaking news alerts and email newsletters

The pack survived a fire Wednesday at a Merritt Island home where they and dozens of other animals were boarded, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office said. The fire killed 45 cats, five dogs, a macaw and a raccoon, authorities said. Brevard County Fire Rescue and Brevard County Animal Services saved 13 dogs and one cat.

"I can't imagine that many animals living in that kind of condition because that can't be healthy for the people or the animals," SPCA spokeswoman Susan Naylor told News 6 Monday.

County officials have not said what will happen with the animals who were not accepted by the SPCA at its shelter in Titusville.

SPCA leaders said they weren't surprised to find the dogs skittish upon arrival after the fire. Some didn't want to follow handlers inside the shelter.

"They don't know what's going on," Friers said as the SPCA unloaded the dogs from the vans. "She's shaking like crazy."

More scenery changes should be on the horizon for the dogs later this month. Naylor said staff veterinarians will examine the dogs to make them ready for adoption, possibly in a week. SPCA will announce when the dogs are available on its Facebook page, SPCA of Brevard Adoption Center.

"We've had tons of interest," she said.

But those who would like to adopt an Australian shepherd should know that the dogs are energetic and will need owners who will provide a lot of activity, Naylor said.

"We'd recommend agility training," she said. "They're working dogs, and they need a job to do to focus their energy."

Some of the dogs will have special needs, such as vision or hearing problems likely caused by birth defects, Naylor said. According to paperwork received by the SPCA, the dogs range from 8 months to 6 years old, she said.

"A couple of them are really scared and it's going to take some time to build trust, but a couple of them are totally outgoing, happy, fun, loving, friendly dogs," Naylor said.

The SPCA shelter usually has up to 200 cats and 100 dogs in its care.

"We're prepared to take in a large number of animals at once," Naylor said. "A few months ago, we took in seven dogs and 11 cats from a shelter that was overcrowded."

The Sheriff's Office is still investigating whether the owners of the burned home violated any laws in keeping the cats and dogs at the home. Their names have not been released and there's no information available about previous complaints about the home.