It has been a very emotional Friday here at the Centralia office. I responded to a single family fire in Mt. Vernon today. The family of three, lost just about everything they own. The hero of the day was a Chihuahua named Sadie. 

This family rescued this little dog seven years ago from an abusive home. They told me that it took months for them to convince her to come out from under the table. Slowly but surely little Sadie became a part of their family. 

Yesterday while Dad was sleeping from working night shift, their home caught on fire. Sadie went crazy until she was finally able to wake him up. The fire department said it was a miracle that he survived. Unfortunately, Sadie didn’t make it. She had run off through the house and even though dad called and called and searched for her as he made it to the door, she disappeared into the smoke. The fire department was able to find her when they entered the home, but it was too late. 

Being a dog lover, it really tore my heart out, especially seeing the pain the family was going through. So tonight when I get home I’m going to hug my husband and my boys, love on my hounds (Sophie, Chip and Copper Oscar) and replace all the batteries in our smoke detectors. 

If this job has taught me anything, it has been to count your blessings, never to take anything for granted and always be ready for the unthinkable to happen.

Kelly Deering

Kelly Deering is the Administrative Assistant for the American Red Cross Greater Southern Illinois Branch Office.