Austin Woman Raises Money For Portraits Of 75 Dogs Killed In Fire

Austin TX

21 September, 2021

1:31 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — A fundraiser has been launched to help commission pet portraits for 75 dogs that were killed in a fire at a pet resort Saturday in Georgetown. Melanie Demi, who owns the popular local blog Three Dogs One Bar, created a GoFundMe page Sunday to raise money to help pay local artists to create unique pet portraits for the families who went through what she called an"absolutely heartbreaking tragedy." More than two dozen firefighters were called for flames at 2815 N. Austin Ave. around 11 p.m. Saturday, Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan told reporters on Sunday. Live in Round Rock? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. Crews arrived to heavy fire and smoke at Ponderosa Pet Resort. Firefighters entered the building and opened some ventilation to control some smoke. They couldn't save any dogs inside. No people were inside. RELATED COVERAGE: 75 Dogs Killed In Fire At Ponderosa Pet Resort In Georgetown Since the fire, a memorial decorated with flowers, photos of the dogs and "I miss you" signs from families in mourning was created in front of the pet resort. "When I first read the headline on Sunday, it really hit close to home. It could have been us. It could've been our dogs or my audience," Demi told Patch on Tuesday. "It was one of those things where the situation was absolutely devastating, and a pet owner's worst nightmare. I wanted to do something by bringing a little bit of joy into the lives of these families." Three Dogs One Bar Owner Melanie Demi, who has worked in the pet industry for nine years, said she created the fundraiser so she could be able to give something to the families to help them get through this "absolutely heartbreaking tragedy." (Screenshot courtesy of Melanie Dumi) Demi said when she lost her dog last year, a friend gifted her family a portrait of their pup, which she said helped her family get through a tough time. She believed the same gift could help the families who lost their furry friends over the weekend. That's when Demi decided to partner with local artists to create this project. Some of those artists include Coloring ATX, Sheila Chen Art,Kathy Pham, Pet Portraits by Helen,Swish Graphic, Color for Breakfast, Mazapán Paper Co and Hannah Elliot. "While many of the artists have volunteered to do these commissions for free, we wanted to help support local artists by offering to pay for their time, which is why we created a goal for the GoFundMe page to be at $4,500," Demi said. "In the past 48 hours, we've already surpassed that goal." Extra money will go to a local dog rescue, Georgetown Fire or a nonprofit of the pet owners' choice, Demi said. About 40 portraits are in the works right now for affected families. She is reaching out to the owners of the other 35 dogs. Demi plans to send digital copies of the portraits and will get a framed portrait ready for delivery for the affected families. "Most of the families I've reached out to have told me that they are very appreciative and happy that they will have something to memorialize their best friend that they lost," Demi said. "Some of these families have lost two or even three dogs, which absolutely breaks my heart. It's been incredible to be able to talk to them and hopefully make a positive impact on their lives." Families who have been affected and would like a portrait could reach out to Demi on the GoFundMe page or on her Instagram page at @herboozytails. At this time, the GoFundMe page remains open for donation.