Support Christopher Gilbert After Devastating Fire

Story

My name is Brianna Koutny, and on the afternoon of May 28, 2025, my best friend Christopher Gilbert lost his home—and three of his five beloved animals—to a devastating house fire. For those of you who know Chris, you already know his heart and his story. For those who don’t, I hope you'll take a moment to read about him and consider contributing to his GoFundMe. In the summer of 2017, a 22-year-old Christopher Gilbert returned home after serving three years in the U.S. military, with deployments in Afghanistan and Alaska. Upon his return, he adopted Otto, a pitbull-heeler mix, and began what would become a lifelong commitment to caring for animals. In June 2022, he welcomed two cats, Pico and Serena, a bonded sibling pair. Then, in February 2024, Chris accomplished a major milestone—he bought his first home. Built in 1896, the house stood strong at 128 years old. Within a few months, he had opened his doors to Fiona, a stray alley cat, and Willow Bea, an abused pitbull in desperate need of a second chance. That summer, Christopher dedicated hours each day to training Willow, teaching her how to sit, fetch, and walk on a leash for the very first time. Inside, he nursed Fiona through health challenges and created a warm, loving space for all five animals. He also began tending a vegetable, herb, and flower garden and started home improvement projects, including installing the home’s first air conditioning unit. But on May 28, 2025, everything changed. A fire tore through his home, destroying the kitchen and claiming three lives: Otto (9), Willow (3), and Pico (3). Fiona and Serena were rescued and transported to the SCCAC, then transferred to a veterinary clinic in Rochester Hills, where they spent 24 hours in oxygen kennels. They are now recovering at Chris’s mother’s home, where they’ll stay until the home can be rebuilt. The emotional toll of losing his pets and home is enormous. On top of that, the financial burden of veterinary bills, the loss of personal belongings, and the need to rebuild from scratch has left Chris in a tough position. That’s why we’ve set a fundraising goal of $10,000—to help with vet costs, temporary needs, and eventual rebuilding efforts. Thank you for taking the time to read and share Chris’s story. Most importantly, we ask that you consider donating—any amount helps. Your support will mean the world to a man who has given so much love to his animals, his community, and his country. Thank you, and God bless!