Tragedy Strikes Sampson County Kennel as Dozens of Dogs Lost in Overnight Fire

A devastating fire swept through a longtime kennel in Sampson County on Wednesday night, leaving its owners and the local community heartbroken after the loss of nearly 30 dogs.

The fire occurred at Black Creek Kennels in Godwin, North Carolina, a family-run operation that has been owned and operated by Todd Wrench and his wife, Sharlene, for more than 25 years.

For the couple, the kennel was not just a business, but a lifelong passion built on love, dedication, and care for the animals they raised over decades.

Wrench said the night unfolded suddenly and without warning. He and his wife were driving home from choir practice when he noticed flames in the distance and realized something was terribly wrong.

As they approached the property, they quickly understood that their kennel was on fire. Without hesitation, the couple rushed toward the building, desperate to save as many dogs as possible.

Despite the intense heat and spreading flames, Wrench said they were able to reach the outer sections of the kennel and rescue approximately 20 dogs.

Only a few of the rescued dogs suffered minor burns, and Wrench expressed gratitude that at least some lives were spared in the chaos.

However, the center of the building was already fully engulfed in flames, making it impossible to reach the remaining dogs trapped inside.

“It was so hot,” Wrench said. “The fire was so strong and so intense, there was no way to get into the middle.”

Wrench believes around 30 dogs were left inside the building, including three mother dogs and their puppies.

The dogs came from several breeds, including Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, and Mini Dachshunds—many of which had been raised and cared for since birth.

Over the years, Wrench said, the dogs became much more than animals under his care. They became part of the family.

“The pups over the years have become like family,” he said. “It’s a hard thing to face.”

According to the Sampson County Fire Marshal’s Office, the kennel structure collapsed before firefighters could arrive on scene.

Emergency crews worked for nearly three hours to fully extinguish the fire due to the severity and spread of the flames.

The cause of the fire has not yet been officially released, and investigators continue to assess the damage.

In the aftermath, Wrench said the emotional toll has been overwhelming, describing his feelings as a mix of shock, sadness, and helplessness.

“A little hopeless is probably the right word,” he said.

Despite the devastation, Wrench expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from the local community.

Messages, calls, and prayers have poured in from neighbors, friends, and fellow animal lovers offering comfort during an unimaginable loss.

Wrench said his faith has helped him through the darkest moments, and he remains determined to move forward despite the tragedy.

“People have to understand that even things happen to folks who try to do everything right,” he said. “You just have to roll with it.”

While the road ahead will be long, Wrench says he hopes to rebuild in time, carrying forward the legacy of care and love that defined Black Creek Kennels for more than two decades.