A Johnstown man is desperately searching for a new home for his heroic Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Natara, following a devastating apartment fire that has left him unable to care for her. Despite Natara’s life-saving actions, local shelters are overwhelmed and unable to accommodate her.
Natara, a 1-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, became a local hero in June when she alerted her owner, Nicholas Dayter, to a fire in their Albany apartment building. The blaze erupted at 97 Clinton Street, and Natara’s quick actions were crucial in saving lives.
“She started banging her head through the door,” Dayter recounted. “When I opened it, I saw a large cloud of smoke. Natara kept going from room to room, banging her head on doors and barking to wake everyone up.”
Her heroic efforts were vital, as Dayter and his neighbors were able to escape the inferno. Dayter himself had to jump from the window, and Natara emerged from the fire covered in soot and struggling to breathe. The Red Cross funds allowed Dayter to get her the necessary medical treatment.
However, since the fire, Dayter has been unable to afford Natara’s care. He has reached out to numerous local shelters, including the Albany County Humane Society, Fulton County Regional SPCA, and various others in Saratoga, Clifton Park, and Malta, but all have reported being at capacity.
“They told me they’re not accepting any more dogs due to being full,” Dayter said.
Renee Earl, President of the Fulton County Regional SPCA, explained that their shelter, with only eight kennels, is perpetually full. “We have 15 dogs waiting for adoption and many more on a waiting list,” she said. “We have been at capacity for the last decade.”
The Capital District Humane Society and other local shelters are similarly overwhelmed. Earl stressed the importance of fostering animals as a viable solution for those unable to adopt permanently. “Fostering is crucial. It provides a temporary home for animals while they await their forever homes,” she noted.
For Dayter, parting with Natara is emotionally painful. “I wanted to keep her for as long as possible, but I have to do what’s best for her,” he said. “It’s heart-wrenching, but I hope to find her a loving home where she can be cherished.”
As Natara searches for her new forever home, the community is reminded of the vital role of fostering and supporting local shelters to help animals in need.
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