Joni Evans Fire Fund

Ten years ago, Joni Evans rescued a dog she named Gunnar and the two have been inseparable ever since. Recently, Gunnar repaid that rescue by saving Joni's life during a house fire that has left both dog and owner homeless.

On Sunday June 29th, Joni and Gunnar lost everything but their lives in a terrible house fire. There was a scheduled power outage that evening, and Joni had left a candle burning in the bathroom while the lights were out. She fell asleep in her favorite chair, and was awakened by her 100 pound dog Gunnar jumping on top of her. When she opened her eyes, she at first thought the lights had come back on, but quickly realized the light was coming from flames consuming her hallway. Joni grabbed Gunnar, her car keys, and phone, then ran out of the house to call 911. Unfortunately, the house was a total loss, and almost nothing could be salvaged. Because of the age of Joni's mobile home, it wasn't insurable so she and Gunnar, the lifesaving dog, are now homeless, and trying to raise enough money to rebuild their lives from scratch.

Joni works as a personal care assistant for the elderly, home-bound, and disabled. She has devoted her life to helping others - both human and animal - and while rewarding and important work, not a job that enables her to independently finance the staggering costs of demolishing her old home and rebuilding a new one. We would be so grateful if you would help Joni and her heroic dog Gunnar fund their new home. Thank you for your contributions!