Community rallies to help Armstrong County family with vet bills following house fire
An Armstrong County family is receiving an outpouring of support after a house fire on Tuesday, July 22, left them grieving the loss of two beloved dogs and facing unexpected veterinary bills.
Luann and Ray Barrett, of Dayton, Pa., lost nearly everything in the blaze, including their dogs Marley and Pez. Their third dog, Maggie, survived thanks to first responders on the scene, but remains in intensive care at the Butler Veterinary Associates emergency clinic, receiving oxygen for severe lung damage.
A GoFundMe with an initial goal of raising $5,000 was set up by Luann’s sister, Tracey Slagle. As of late Friday afternoon, the effort had already collected $3,920 through 83 donations since being launched on Wednesday.
Luann said she was grateful for the support as Maggie starts down a long road to recovery.
“I don’t know what my bill will be, but I need to save my dog. She’s my baby,” Luann said. “I appreciate everyone that has donated. I really do.”
According to the sisters, who were visiting Maggie on Friday afternoon, the 7-year-old red Labrador retriever is currently on oxygen and IVs because she isn’t eating or drinking. There is also fluid in her lungs, but Slagle noted that was normal because of the internal damage that Maggie suffered while still inside the home.
However, they also said that Maggie responded well to seeing them in person.
“She’s still living and breathing, and she got excited to see my sister so I think that’s a really good sign,” Slagle said, noting the staff is closely monitoring Maggie’s oxygen levels.
They said any money remaining after covering Maggie’s veterinary bills will go toward purchasing pet oxygen kits — along with training on how to use them — to donate to local fire departments.
“We’re definitely going to pay it forward for everybody else,” Slagle said.
