The unimaginable happened... our place burned down and all my animals are dead. :(

[Bruce Whitehead]

I will keep this very brief.

Jer and I woke up this morning and our back balcony was in flames. We had time to get out but all my animals are dead.

Jerome grabbed Stanley, the hairless rat that sleeps in our room, but he is the only one we were able to save.

We have lost everything. We are at our friends' house, Coll and June, and just trying to figure out what to do.

Another few minutes and we would not have gotten out. As we were running out the back windows were exploding in and the place was filing with smoke and flames.

As we left I could hear the firetrucks coming and thought that maybe the animals would be OK. They are in the middle bedroom. But by the time we decided to walk over here (Colleen and June only live a few blocks away) 9 units were up in flames.

At that point we realized there was no point. So we just left. Two shoeless guys wandering down the road with a rat cage in tow.

I cannot process it, and I am shocked. I just really needed to talk to *snake people* for a minute. If I start thinking about it I know I will collapse and I cannot afford that right now. All my beautiful gentle babes are gone.

But we are fine, and we are alive, and for that I feel so blessed right now.

Updates as I can afford it.

Think a positive thought for us if you find time.

Thanks for reading.
Bruce

[JeffFlanagan]

So sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure the grief you're going through is terrible, but you're alive. As with any tragedy, it will get better over time.

Keep strong, and try to stay positive,

Jeff

[ballpythonluvr]

I am so so sorry for your losses. I will keep you in my prayers. With your permission I would like to add you to my prayer chain. I can't even imagine what you must be going through right now. Know that you are in my thoughts and that you have my deepest sympathy.

[puddintain]

Oh gosh I am so so sorry for you guys. I can,t imagne how you must feel right now. I hope you two can get back on your feet quickly. I know that the sadness over losing your pets will take time to heal though. ((hugs)) to Bruce and Jer

[llovelace]

Oh Bruce I am so sorry! We will keep you & Jerome in our prayers.

[Wh00h0069]

Very sorry to hear about your animals and your home Bruce, but at least you and Jerome were able to get out unharmed. That is the most important thing.

[BrucenBruce]

Bruce, I'm so very sorry to hear of this! I'm glad to hear that you and Jerome got out without injury though. Homes can be rebuilt, and though the animals can't ever be completely "replaced", that pain will fade and in time, your non-human family will become strong again.

Take some time to take care of Jerome and yourself.

~Bruce (the other one.)

[2kdime]

This is terrible news Bruce! I as well as everyone else is surely happy you made it out ok.

I feel so sad for what your going through with your animals, I can only imagine.

I think were all a good community, come back and let it out if you need to, we'll be here for you.

[DutchHerp]

Holy crap Bruce I'm so sorry to hear about this.

I hope you'll be OK, my friend.

I'll keep you in my thoughts.

[Ladydragon]

Oh Bruce I am so sorry to read about your loss. You and Jerome will be in my thoughts and prayers. As was stated, the most important thing is that you both are alive. Please keep us updated. :hugs: