POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Flames gutted a home in Pompano Beach and several of the homeowner’s pets were killed.
The fire broke out at a home along Southwest 13th Court and Ninth Avenue, Wednesday.
A couple lived in the home with their pets, but they came home in the afternoon to find many of the animals had died in the fire.
Gene Sovey said he came home from work early and found black soot around his front door.
He said when he opened the door, he was overcome by smoke.
“What the hell is all this? So I open my door, and next thing you know I see all the smoke,” said Sovey. “What am I going to do? I’m going to run in and try and save some of my dogs.”
But it was too late. Six dogs, a cat and three birds died in the fire.
Sovey said he grabbed them and brought them outside anyway.
“I got a phone call to come home, my house was on fire, the dogs were dead,” said Christina Sovey, as she fought back tears. “My dogs are my life. I just lost everything I have, everything. Sasha, she was my mama dog. She was my emotional support. Huskies are verbal, they speak to you. They’re the most loveable dogs in the world.”
They are devastated by the loss of their pets.
“The cutest little things that they do, it’s just like having a child,” said Christina. “They were there for me. They were like my kids.”
“They were my best friends,” said Gene. “I’ll miss them forever.”
Miraculously, one dog named JJ was able to survive.
“It was a little bit joyful hoping that he was actually going to live, out of all the other ones that were lost,” said relative Jamie Miller.
JJ is currently being treated at a local vet hospital.
He appears to be doing OK, but the family is not sure how they will afford his care.
A tank full of hermit crabs also made it through the fire.
“They survived,” said Miller.
A collection of three photos, including one of a beloved grandfather, was also unscathed by flames.
Inside the home, there is nothing but charred belongings.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it may have been an electrical fire.
American Red Cross volunteers are now assisting the couple.
Anyone who would like to help with JJ’s vet bills can donate to the following GoFundMe.
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