The Corner Brook senior citizen lost her home in an early afternoon fire Monday. Two of her nine dogs and two of her three cats died in the fire.
Four other dogs and another cat were rescued at the scene by the Corner Brook Fire Department.
Three dogs had been reported missing as of press time Monday, but one of them was later found being safely kept by a neighbour.
Several pet groomers in the Corner Brook and surrounding area offered their services to help clean up the surviving animals left reeking of smoke and soot.
Martin was still too shaken by her losses to do an interview Tuesday. Her daughter, Cynthia Rideout, said all of the dogs were going to be cleaned by Tracey Beales, a local pet groomer who happens to also be a longtime family friend.
“We are so thankful to everyone of the six groomers that they took the time to reach out and say they will help,” said Rideout.
The NL West SPCA was also busy accepting pet supplies to help Martin.
The generosity of family, friends and strangers alike was extended to Martin, too. Rideout said too many people to count have come forward to donate money and other things her mother will need to get back on her feet.
She said Tracii Park from Pay it Forward, a local charity that assists strangers in need, was particularly busy Tuesday rounding up supplies and whatever help she could muster.
“It’s really heartwarming to know there are a lot of really good people out there,” said Rideout.
One day after the fire, Rideout and her mother are starting to think of all the things they can’t replace — such as the ring that once belonged to Rideout’s grandmother, who died two years ago.
The fact she still has her mom, who was not at home when the fire broke out, reminds Rideout to be thankful, despite the tragedy, she said.
“I’m just so glad she was out that morning, because sometimes she falls asleep and it can be hard to wake her,” said Rideout. “We might have lost her.”
To visit an online fundraising page, visit the website www.gofundme.com and search for Marie Martin.