Milwaukee dog rescue challenges; operators seek new building

MILWAUKEE - Getting a "forever home" has been the mission for a Milwaukee dog rescue. But the operators now face a new challenge – with a building that is falling apart. 

Holes in the ceiling, peeling walls and buckling floors. Lucky Mutts Rescue (9225 Beloit Road) in Milwaukee has recently seen the building it rents fall into disrepair. 

"The smell, you can all smell it. It's horrific," said Patrice Thorin, who runs Lucky Mutts Rescue. "Every time it rains, I mean the floors get flooded. Buckets as you can see are everywhere."

Thorin said the building has experienced damage that, over time, has gotten worse – and cost thousands in repairs. 

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

"Towards the beginning of September, we had the major leak over the door. I had texted the landlord and asked her to replace it. And now, nothing has been done to this point," Thorin said. "We’ve been in this building for nine years. A lot of dogs are going to die if we can’t help them."

Out of desperation, the rescue shelter made a social media post that has since gained traction. 

"We’ve had people reaching out with some building things we will be looking into," Thorin said. "We didn’t know we had that much support."

FOX6 News tried getting in contact with the owner of the property. While we did not hear back, we did catch a contractor inspecting the building. 

Thorin is hopeful something can be done soon. 

"We have dogs scheduled to come in from Oklahoma," Thorin said. "Hopefully it could happen in a timely fashion."

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android

Milwaukee's Department of Neighborhood Services has been made aware of the shelter's situation – and is looking into it.  

Meanwhile, if you would like to show your support for the operators and animals, you are invited to visit the Lucky Mutts Rescue website.