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News coverage of the story:
ENUMCLAW, Wash. -- Equine veterinarian
Bob Deward walks through what was once his living room.
"The ceiling and the rest of the house are now gone," he says, as he shows us a tarp covering the roof.
Deward's house, furniture and just about every possession was destroyed in Wednesday's fire. Authorities say it was caused by an electrical short. Deward and his wife were enjoying a night out in Seattle when they got the call.
"I think the toughest thing ultimately was that we were not here," Deward says as he fights back tears.
While the home was quickly engulfed in flames, the Deward's animals, two dogs and two cats, were trapped. A neighbor told firefighters about the pets, and they were able to get them out, but not without injuries.
"They were having a hard time breathing, they smelled like smoke and the first thing that she (Matty the dog) did when she saw us was wag her tail. That's the kind of dog that she is."
The others, Myles and Santana the cats and Jenny the dog, all suffered severe smoke inhalation. They are all on oxygen at a neighboring vet hospital.
Even though they've lost their home -- the Deward's are grateful. A neighbor, who had a spare set of keys to their mobile vet unit, moved it before it could catch fire. Another neighbor, who is also a vet, was able to treat the animals shortly after they were rescued.
"I cannot thank enough all of the people that have been supportive of us," says Julie Soushek, Deward's wife. Soushek says in the end, the house and the material items are replaceable.
The Dewards were just married in September. Amidst the massive damage to their living room, their wedding photo, which hung on the wall, was saved.
Neighbors in Enumclaw have set up a benevolent fund through Bank of America under the name: Dr. Bob Deward Fire Assistance Fund. Anyone can make donations at any of the Bank of America location.
Other ways you can help
1. Donate to the Dr. Bob Deward Fire Assistance Fund in person at any Bank of America
2. Donate to the Deward's account at the veterinary hospital that saved their pets:
Sumner Veterinary Hospital
P.O. Box 1130
Sumner, Washington 98390
(253)863-2258
Please note- because I have no way of confirming donations submitted to the Vet hospital or directly to the bank account, raffle entry is only being done for those who donate directly through me or one of the raffle commitee members. thanks for understanding :)