CHARLESTON -
A Kanawha County man was injured Tuesday in a fire at his home on Rutledge Road. Timmy and Jessica Parsons' home caught fire very early Tuesday morning. The two were able to get out of the house with their children. Timmy Parsons then went back in to try to save the family's 10 dogs. He was able to save all but two of the dogs.
While firefighters criticized the decision to go back in the house to save the dogs the family said they would do it all over again.
The house was a total loss and now the family is trying to decide how to get back on their feet. They are also trying to care for the dogs that survived.
Jessica Parsons said the dogs who died were her husky Cocoa and a jack russell named Miss Pi. Cocoa was found on a porch and has been buried on the property. Miss Pi still hasn't been found in the rubble. One was a rescue from the Kanawha Charleston Animal Shelter the other was rescued from a puppy mill.
"They are our babies. They are our family," said Jessica Parsons. "Not being able to account for all of them is very heartbreaking."
Inspired by the family's dedication to their pets and her own love for animals Denise Newman is organizing an effort to collect supplies for the surviving animals. She said while several people have stopped to donate food, clothing and other items for the human members of the family, the dogs have been overlooked.
"They need collars and leashes because only two of the dogs were wearing collars when the fire happened," Newman said. "We also need dry dog food for small and large dogs."
The Parsons family had just gone out and bought 100lbs of dog food before the fire.
Newman said it is her way of helping both the animals and the family because the dogs are providing them with so much comfort during such a sad time.
"The kisses and just the little looks on their faces and everything," Jessica Parsons said about her dogs. "We are all together and that is what is holding us together."
While she looks at the pile of rubble and everything she has lost, Jessica Parsons said she can't help but feel thankful that some of the dogs survived. It is allowing her family to continue to be surrounded by wagging tails, cold noses and understanding kisses in their time of grief.
She is also thankful for the kindness of friends.
The family has dogs of all breed and sizes ranging from very small to very large. They need collars and leashes. They also need dry dog food and a few dog bowls.
Right now the GoMart on Greenbrier Street near the intersection of Coonskin Drive is the drop off location for donations. Their number is 304-344-3807.
For more information about how you can help you can also email Denise Newman at dnew6@aol.com.
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