CHESAPEAKE, Va. — February 6 started like any other day for the Chesapeake Humane Society, checking in patients and prepping for surgeries.
"Staff was in here, it’s usually pretty busy in here in the mornings," said Executive Director Lacy Shirey.
But that morning quickly turned into a terrifying moment.
"Suddenly a truck just crashed through the building," she said. "I didn’t know what to think."
Shirey said a driver who wanted to bring their pet in for an appointment accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake.
In the video, you can see the truck ramming through the wall and into the reception area. The sole receptionist sitting there at that moment was able to roll out of the way unharmed.
"We have a brick building, but the truck made it seem like it went through like butter," said Shirey.
She said she heard what happened while getting off an airplane.
"When I landed, I was inundated with 'Oh my gosh, a truck just went through your building, that’s crazy.' It was a lot for me to process."
She called the whole thing an accident and said they were very lucky no people nor pets got hurt.
"If you watch the video, if people had been standing in different places it could be a very different story," she said.
She said because insurance is only covering the damage to the building, they need some help. Shirey said any donations will cover lost revenue from the two days they had to close and employee wages during the same period.
"That’s really how our organization is built, so that loss of revenue impacts us in that way."
Chesapeake Police say the driver is not facing any charges and the building is safe to reopen.
Shirey said even though repairs will take a while, they’re just thankful everyone is OK.
"Thank goodness nobody was hurt. No pets or people. So that’s really what we’re all most grateful for. It could have been a lot worse," she said.
You can help with Chesapeake Humane Society is taking donations. Click here to help.