A north-east family is heartbroken after losing their dog in a blaze which also destroyed all their belongings.
Shannon Lovett and her two young children lost all their possessions after the fire started in their Inverurie home on Easter Sunday.
They were out for a family meal when they got a call alerting them to smoke pouring from their home in Selbie Drive.
By the time Miss Lovett raced back home, firefighters were at the scene and she saw smoke pouring from her bedroom.
Although one of the family’s dogs managed to get out, tragically one-and-a-half-year-old black Labrador Harley perished.
“I left the car and kids with my younger brother and ran down the street and broke down,” Miss Lovett said.
“I didn’t want it to be real. I couldn’t really comprehend it.
“It is not something that you ever think will happen to you.”
Beloved Harley ‘part of the family’
Miss Lovett said her two children, five-year-old Jaxon and two-year-old Lily-Mae, are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
The family is now living in Miss Lovett’s dad’s spare bedroom, and estimate they have lost up to £3,500 electrical items as well as treasured photographs and trinkets.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family rebuild their lives, with more than £2,600 raised so far.
But it is the loss of Harley that has hit the hardest.
Miss Lovett, who is relieved one-and-a-half-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Blu survived, said: “Harley was a massive part of the family, she was always playing with the children.
“I’ve had them both since they were babies.
“Jaxon is not doing well, he just keeps crying.
“I have explained she is up in doggie heaven and is one of the little stars looking down on us.
“Jaxon says goodnight to her before bed.”
Family could be in temporary housing for six months
It is believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault.
It began in Miss Lovett’s bedroom but smoke quickly spread through the house and damaged most of the goods on the top floor.
Valuables, including passports, TV, game consoles, straighteners, curlers, makeup and clothes were all lost.
The family is now waiting for Aberdeenshire Council to find them temporary accommodation while repairs at carried out at their house, which could take six months.
The fundraiser, which has been supported by more than 100 members of the Inverurie community already, was launched by Miss Lovett’s mum Kerry.
She wrote: “My daughter Shannon and her two kids Jaxon and Lily tragically lost everything in their home including all their clothing (except for what they were wearing) in an unexpected house fire in Inverurie.
“I know there have been several people that have asked what they can do or how they can help. Family and friends, if you are looking to help, please donate what you are able to help them start over.”
Other members of the community also rallied to the family’s aid.
Kellands Primary School shared a post on social media writing: “It’s at times like these communities look after each other and come together.”
Conversation