Published on March 16, 2021 11:25 AM
Ricco and Layla need your help.
The dogs have been in the Carbon County Animal Shelter since December 23, when their owner died in a fire in a house on Indian Mountain Lake in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County.
Ricco is a mix of pit bull and 11-year-old Mastiff Bull, while Layla, 9, is a mix of pit bull.
“We would like to honor their owner by finding them a home together,” said Tom Connors, director of the shelter, on Wednesday.
Its owner Matt Wilcox, 37, a veteran of the Navy, died in the fire at home.
“He was sleeping in the house,” said Matt’s father, John Wilcox, 67, of Monroe County, on Thursday.
Wilcox said his son woke up and took the dogs out of the house before succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning. The dogs were found in the yard.
“They found him less than 3 meters from the door, he said.
Strangely, Wilcox said he woke up around 3:05 am that fateful morning, but he was not scared and went back to bed.
He brought the dogs into his home, but they didn’t get along with the cats and the other dogs, so he gave them to the shelter.
“I feel bad that I can’t take them here,” he said.
Ricco is a rescue dog that his son obtained in South Carolina. He adopted Layla in Virginia.
“His life was those dogs,” he said.
He described them as loyal, friendly and obedient.
Connors said dogs are “boyfriends” and adapt to life in the shelter, but it is not the ideal situation for them, especially considering their age. Ricco also has tumors in his body that are “inoperable”. Connors said they don’t know if they are carcinogens.
“Ricco is past the estimated lifespan,” said Connors.
The dogs received regular veterinary care, he said.
Considering their age, Connors said it could be an impediment to possible adoption.
“Some people came, but no one expressed an interest,” he said.
To make offering a home to dogs more attractive to parents of pets, adoption costs are covered by donations. Annual medical care and vaccines are covered by donations and by Lehighton Animal Hospital. Both dogs are vaccinated.
“We don’t want to harm anyone,” said Connors.
He said the ultimate goal is to adopt them together, but the longer it takes, the less likely it is to be realistic.
“There is a home for each dog, but you must be able to reach the person who owns it,” said Connors. “We currently have 13 dogs in our care and 15 kennels,” said Connors.
Having kennels available is important in case the team gets additional animals. Pit bull mixes are the most common dogs that find temporary shelter in the shelter.
Taking care of dogs is rewarding, but a job that takes a lot of time. Volunteers are needed, but not with the shelter now because of the pandemic. Connors said that additional staff is needed. Interested parties can call 570-325-4828 and ask for Tom. Donations are always welcome.
Ricco, 11, and Layla, 9, at the Carbon County Animal Shelter. Ricco is the largest dog with a chain leash. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS