TROY, Ind. — A tragic morning in Perry County has left the Smith family of six without a home after a fire that claimed nearly a dozen of their beloved pets. This devastating incident, reportedly caused by the actions of a family pet, marks the second time the family has faced such a disaster.
The fire broke out just before 6 a.m., turning the Smith family’s home into an unrecognizable scene of destruction within less than an hour. Dolly Smith recounted the harrowing events, explaining how she was alerted by her alarm and her eldest daughter’s screams about the smoke.
“I came out of the bedroom after my alarm went off, and I heard my oldest daughter screaming that there was smoke. At that point, I could see it, smell it, feel it. I ran into the kitchen where I found that my gas stove had been lit by a cat. I tried to throw water on it, but it did not work,” Smith said.
The fire forced her son and his girlfriend to escape through a window and climb onto the roof. Fortunately, a utility truck driver passing by saw the emergency, helped them off the second story, and saved a few of the dogs.
“It was a utility truck that came over and got him off the second story and saved a couple of the dogs that way,” Smith explained.
However, several cats, dogs, and puppy litters were not as fortunate. The city has offered assistance in burying the deceased pets, providing some comfort to the grieving family.
For 13-year-old Rae-Lynn Smith, the loss of her pets, especially her 7-month-old pug Gunner, has been particularly devastating. Gunner was more than just a pet; he was learning to help Rae-Lynn manage her severe social anxiety and panic attacks.
“I suffer from bad social anxiety. When I do, I have panic attacks in stores. Gunner was learning how to take care of me. We took him to King Chef on Monday, and he did absolutely great,” said Rae-Lynn, expressing her heartbreak.
This isn’t the first time the Smith family has faced such a crisis. Nearly two years ago, a similar fire broke out in their home, also caused by a pet, but was contained to the kitchen with no significant damage. Dolly Smith had taken precautions by installing childproof knobs on the stove, but one had broken, and she hadn’t yet replaced it.
Despite their losses, the Smith family has received an outpouring of support from their community. Neighbors and strangers have already begun donating clothes and offering assistance. Dolly Smith expressed her gratitude for the immediate help.
“It’s been amazing. People are already dropping off clothes, and neighbors were here to help because they had a fire up the street. So, they kind of knew some of the procedures,” Smith said.
In the meantime, the family is searching for a hotel to stay in and temporary homes for their surviving dogs.
Dolly Smith is urging others to take necessary safety precautions to avoid similar tragedies. She emphasized the importance of promptly replacing safety devices to prevent accidents.
The Smith family’s story is a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of pet-related accidents and the crucial need for safety measures to protect both human and animal lives.
