In one of the most heartbreaking stories of 2021, a Texas pet resort fire has left 75 dogs dead and local families grieving as they mourn the loss of their beloved pets.
The fire, which broke out at the Ponderosa Pet Resort in the city of Georgetown, occurred late on Saturday night and by the time fire crews arrived a mere four and a half minutes after receiving the 911 call, dense smoke made it impossible to attempt any rescues.
“It was a quick response,” said Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan. “Unfortunately, we were met with conditions that are our worst possible scenario and that was heavy smoke and fire involvement.”
Sullivan describes the moment he realized where they were headed, stating “my heart just dropped when I got the address we were going to because, quite frankly, I view my personal pet as my closest confidante, friend, and the one that doesn’t judge. My heart just breaks for the people today.”
While no humans were caught up in the blaze, Sullivan was quick to point out that the magnitude of the tragedy remains the same. “By no indication do I want to lead anyone to believe that it is any less tragic, it is extremely heart-wrenching for us as first responders,” he said.
An investigation remains ongoing as the department seeks to figure out what caused the fire but Sullivan says it’s likely that many of the animals would have died from smoke inhalation rather than burns.
Officials are currently working alongside the owner of the resort to return the dogs remains to their families, but even when that’s been done, it’s clear the event will have an affect on Sullivan and his team for some time.
“This is a big deal. I just wish I could go back in time and make it better.”
