We are a family of 5 who have just been through one of the scariest experiences someone can go through.
On Sunday, November 2nd, the master bedroom of our house caught fire when no one was home. We received a call from our neighbor to let us know that the house was on fire, and all of us raced back to the house.
We arrived into chaos. So many fire trucks and police cars blocking the roads. My husband was immediately bombarded with multiple servicemen (so thankful for all of them) so they could gather information. We learned that the firemen immediately tried saving all of our animals (6 Guinea pigs, 1 hamster, 2 dogs). Max, our 6 year old husky/hound, ran in fear and got stuck between the neighbors fence. He was recovered with the help of my husband, firefighters, and the neighbor. Ember, our 3 year old German shepherd/black lab mix, ran in fear and is still missing. My daughter’s three guinea pigs (Luna, Rue, and Maple) and hamster (Skippy) were recovered and are doing great. My three guinea pigs, Marjorie, Primrose, and Gwendolyn, were in the room where the fire started. The firemen brought them outside, performed CPR, and did their best to revive them. They unfortunately did not make it.
Once the servicemen were done with their incredible work, they spoke with us and gave us their condolences, the fire inspector walked us into the room. I can’t explain what I was feeling in that moment. The mix of shock, devastation, and gratitude all mixed into one. We stood in the middle of our room, staring at everything we lost. Most of it replaceable. Some of it irreplaceable. Seeing my guinea pig cage almost sent me to my knees. But we also felt extreme gratitude. Our kids are unharmed. Our community came out in force. Our servicemen worked quickly. And because we kept our door shut, the fire did not go outside of the master bedroom. Other than smoke damage, the rest of the home seems fine.
We are working with our renters insurance, and our landlords insurance. As many of you may know, it is going to be a battle to get everything covered. We have a hard time asking for help, and our daughter is actually helping us set this up because she knows that we try to do everything on our own. We try our best, but ultimately our daughter is right, and we do need help.
All donations will go toward repairs/renovation and replacing the necessary items we’ve lost. It will also be used toward lodging/food to help until we are back into our home, as we are currently staying in a hotel. Once Ember is found (we hope), she will also need to be taken to the Vet to make sure she is okay, so we will use donations to also make sure she is okay.
We appreciate our community and any/all help we receive. I would not wish this situation on anyone. Hug your loved ones, snuggle your fur babies, be safe.
***UPDATE***
We have found our sweet girl Ember, she is back with us safe and receiving the care she needs. She will be seen by a vet on Friday. Thank you all for your continued support.