A family of five is working to rebuild their lives after a devastating fire claimed their home and two beloved dogs.

On March 11, the parents and their three young children — ages 6, 3, and 1 — left home to run errands. While checking out at a store, they received the shocking news that their house was on fire. Initially thinking it was a prank, they rushed home to find the reality far worse than they imagined. The blaze, later determined to have been caused by an electrical short in the breaker box, destroyed their home and caused significant damage to their belongings.

While the monetary loss was high, the emotional toll was far greater. Two of their German shepherds, Meeko and Sona — a father-and-daughter pair — did not survive. A neighbor had bravely attempted to rescue them but was unable to get past the heavy smoke and flames. Meeko was gentle and especially bonded with the family’s 3-year-old, while Sona was playful, affectionate, and had a knack for raiding the fridge.

Although three of the family’s dogs were saved, the loss of Meeko and Sona hit the children hard, particularly the older two, who had strong bonds with the pets. As the parents juggled the logistics of rebuilding their home with the emotional needs of their kids, they sought to replace items of comfort that had been lost in the fire.

Through an online parenting group, they were connected with a nonprofit that provided both practical and emotional support — from gas cards to plush animals designed to help children process grief. One of the most meaningful gifts came from a company that creates life-sized stuffed animals based on real pets. They crafted detailed replicas of Meeko and Sona, giving the children something tangible to hold onto. The 3-year-old now carries hers everywhere.

For the parents, seeing these stuffed animals bring comfort to their children has been a bright spot in a painful journey. While they currently live with extended family as their home is rebuilt, they remain focused on restoring a sense of normalcy. Construction is expected to be complete before winter, but in the meantime, they continue to heal — carrying with them memories of the dogs they loved and the hope of returning home.