After Being Destroyed By a Fire, Animal Shelter Receives a Surprising Makeover

On a usual episode of NBC's "George to the Rescue", host George Oliphant helped rebuild the Montclair Animal Shelter's outdoor dog run after it was destroyed by a fire three years ago in Montclair, New Jersey. Oliphant, a rescue dog dad to Sugar, a yellow lab, told People magazine: "The word 'rescue' doesn't just have to be about helping somebody's home and family.

01
Three years ago in Oliphant’s town of Montclair, New Jersey, a fire destroyed the local animal shelter.

via /george2rescue/

All 73 of the homeless cats and dogs were whisked from the flames and smoke by scores of concerned residents and shelter staff; all made it out unharmed.
Advertisement
02
Oliphant Wanted to do something to help and so he did...

via /george2rescue/

While insurance money provided the necessary repairs, the Montclair Animal Shelter still needed help with its outdoor space that made use of concrete, barbed wire and a chain fence. Oliphant worked with other volunteers to rebuild the dog run with $150,000 of donated supplies and labor.
03
Before picture of outdoor area at shelter:

via /george2rescue/

"It did look like a prison yard," says Oliphant, "and unfortunately it wasn't safe for the dogs to go out there."
04
After photo of the outdoor area:

via /george2rescue/

They ripped out the concrete and transformed the space into a bright play area with green synthetic turf for the pups to roll around on, running water for drinks, shiny white fencing, even a red fire hydrant.
Advertisement
05
Watch the full and heartwarming episode:

via George2therescue

The episode also features an adorable doggy fashion show with actor Patrick Wilson, another Montclair resident and rescue dog dad (and one of PEOPLE'S Sexiest Men Alive 2016). "Luckily we live in a town with good people," says Oliphant, "and we could pull this off."