Because I know you'd understand....

[krazyaboutkatz]

Christine, I'm so sorry to hear about your house fire and about the losses of your furkids. I'm glad to hear that both you and your husband and the rest of your furfamily are alive and well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please take care and I hope that you're able to have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year. (((HUGS)))

[aStarSeeker]

I appreciate all your thoughts and understanding, as awful as that can be!

I don't think we'll ever get the smell out of our noses, let alone our memory. I was stuck in the restricted zone in NYC during the 9/11 week. To this day I still wake up occasionally in a panic, thinking my house is on fire because I smell it as Donna described in my sleep. Oh, my...

I learned something about my values with this fire. When Rich and I were back from the vet and in the house, I got Tosha out from under the bed, into a carrier and out into the yard. I thought vaguely, "I should probably get my laptop out of there; it has the tax records on it."

Then when we realized there actually WAS a fire, vs. the stove backing up (we didn't remember it hadn't even been in use all day at that point), Rich said, "Get what you want out of here, I think it's in the walls and we have to get out of here."

I looked around and couldn't think of a darned thing I cared about. Antiques, artwork, jewelry, crystal, funky little things? eh. My conscious thought was that Tosha was outside, Rich was Ok, so let's get the heck out of here. I picked up a small trinket box sitting on the side table just because I thought I should pick up something and said, "Let's go!" You always wonder what you'd grab and now I know.

Luckily, we suffered primarily smoke damage on the physical/possession side of things. The living room wall is gone, and 1/2 the floor, but who cares? We had already ventilated by the time the firemen arrived, so they didn't break out the windows (darn, now!) and carried burning chunks out into the yard, where I turned the garden hose on them. The soot, however, you can take off things like you would frosting off a cake with your fingers. There is no scorching or burning visible, which is so weird. The smoke detector 35 feet away melted into a wad of plastic.

They tell me our little ones were gone before the heat hit, but Pauley must have been in an area with more air available. It breaks my heart that he and General were so terrified and struggling at the vet.

We're settling into our new, temporary house. It's really nice, but we have the feeling that we're in some vacation house for really bad reasons. It'll probably be a while before we don't feel displaced.

Thank you all for your thoughts and support. I know you know. Laura, I'm sorry for your losses, as well. How do are hearts recover from this!?!

Christine

[Barbara]

I am so very sorry for the tragic loss of your furkids.
I wish you all the best- and much energy for you and the survivors.

And I send my admiration that you can think of offering a new home for a kitty in this situation.

[prechrswife]

I'm so very sorry for your losses.

[smokey the elder]

Wow! I'm so sorry about your furkids and your house. I hope the New Year sees you back in a fine new place.

[anna_66]

Goodness how your story breaks my heart I can't imainge the loss you've suffered.

Your husband is truly a hero in my book.

I'll make sure I say a prayer for you and your family.

[lv4dogs]

I am so sorry for your losses Christine. What a tragic event. My heart goes out to you in this time of need. We'll be thinking of you a lot and lighting candles too. hugs sweetie

[furrykidsmother]

I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy and the loss of your dear furkids. May they be at peace and may you and your husband and remaining babies have strength and courage to get through this difficult time.