VALE, NC (WBTV)- When the call went out to respond to a barn fire Monday morning, firefighters knew they were in for a battle long before they arrived on the scene.

"I could see the smoke from ten miles away," said one firefighter as he donned the gear to get to work on the fire. 

Dozens of firefighters from several departments came to help but the flames had gone too far by the time they arrived to be able to save the structure.

"It was a wonderful barn for show horses," said Propst Fire Department Captain Brian Leonhardt. Normally the barn would house 8 Paso Fino horses. "They are special Italian show horses with a special gait," said Lori Baker, daughter of the barn owner.

Baker said, as luck would have it, the horses had been taken out to the pasture over the weekend and were to be left there for a few days. If they had still been in the barn when the fire broke out, Baker doesn't think anyone would have been able to rescue them.

In recognition of the thousands of homeless dogs and cats in Mecklenburg County, the Humane Society of Charlotte is hosting its largest annual fundraiser, the Pet Palooza dog walk, Kennelly 5K run and pet festival to support the organization’s mission. This year’s event promises something for everyone including:

• Vendor Fair with over 40 vendors
• Fido Fashion Show starring HSC Alumni Pups
• Human Hamster Racing
• Agility Demonstrations
• Flyball Demonstrations
• $10 Microchipping
• Palm & Paw Readings
• People and Pet Massages
• Paw Print Paintings with Your Pet
• Souvenir Photo Booth

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program Awards 100 Vehicles to 100 Nonprofits in 100 Days

Toyota of North Charlotte on Sept. 8, 2011 at 2 p.m. will present a Highlander HV Limited hybrid vehicle to North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue as part of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program.  The non-profit rescue group -- a private, donation-funded, no-kill organization which strives to help end pet overpopulation, abandonment and neglect -- will use the Highlander to transport dogs from shelters where they were at risk to their headquarters, veterinarian visits and their new homes.  They will also use the vehicle to carry dog food and other supplies needed to operate the rescue.