http://www.atv.ca/ottawa/news_65552.aspx

http://www.orleansonline.ca/pages/N2009011401.htm

On this week - follow ups to come!

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Year+fire+destroys+Navan+animal+shelter/1136768/story.html http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Life/Year+fire+destroys+animal+shelter/1136766/story.html

http://ottawadogblog.ca/2009/01/urgent-fire-the-narc-headquarters/

http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090102/OTT_Animal_Fire_090102/20090102?hub=OttawaHome

Michelle, The phoenix is a sacred bird, immortal and invincible. At the end of its cycle its nest is burned to ashes, and a new, stronger phoenix is reborn, living a long and healthy life. There is tremendous balance in the Universe. The greater the pain, the greater the success and happiness that follows it. Therefore I know that when you come through this nightmare, things will be much, much better for you, and you will be light years closer to your vision and mission for NARC. Until come out the other end of this terrible experience, draw strength from knowing that the entire community admires you and is inspired by you, and is standing firm beside you to help restore your life and your home. Those of us who are enriched by the wonderful dogs we adopted from you have an extra-special reason for making sure that your dream for NARC is fulfilled. I'll be over on Saturday to bring a few things and to help with whatever needs doing on the mobile home. I have no technical knowledge of dry-walling and so on, but if someone tells me what to do, I'm quite good at taking instruction ! Wishing you all that's best and lots of luck, Yasmin.

Dear Michelle, I just read in The Ottawa Citizen about the devastating fire and the loss of your animals and home. Please accept my deepest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. You have done such incredible things for your animals and I hope that you know, the ones who were lost in the fire had happy last days because of your care. I look at Pogo (formerly Edgar) who, because of your love and care, is with us today and I can't help but feel your grief for those animals that perished. I hope that you take comfort in knowing that you have helped so many animals and that the prayers of the community of pet owners are with you. I would love to help out in some way. Please let me know what supplies you need (personal or for your animals) and I will drop off a care package for you. I really want to help. Dale

Hi Michelle: I am so sorry to hear about the fire! I have been checking the website over the holidays. I have a cheque and a bag of goodies my husband and I were going to drop off for NARC tomorrow. Please let me know if we can help in any way. I am just a few minutes away and will be home all weekend. Lise and Gerry

Michèlle, I can't even begin to say how sorry I am for the loss you're going through. How unbelievably tragic and undeserved. You give your heart and soul to these animals and have given a new lease on life to countless needy doggies. My heart is in pieces reading your news, I can't imagine how you must be feeling... We are available to take in a couple of dogs to foster (unfortunately, due to my allergies, they must be "non-shedding") as well as bunnies if you need foster homes for them. As you know, we have two bunnies of our own so we feel comfortable knowing the particular needs of rabbits. Not sure if you still need paints right now but we have a few opened gallons we could bring over when the time is right. If there is anything else we can do, please let me know. We are in Kingston but that's only a 2 hour drive and I'd be happy to go and spend time cleaning debris, walking/feeding/cuddling dogs, anything. Please let me know. You are strong and your mission to give these animals a new life so important and meaningful. Our family will forever be grateful to you for bringing special Lulu into our lives. This horrible, horrible tragedy will one day be in the past and you will eventually heal and move on with the incredible work that you do. Our thoughts are with you and your daughter, Kareen

Michelle, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I can’t stop crying thinking about how upset you must be. If there’s anything I can do to help you or the rescue, I’d love to help. Just let me know… I’m only a phone call away!

Allo Michelle, How are you and Sabrina? I want to keep in touch and help. I keep going back to your website because I can't believe what happened. I was cleaning last week and I have 4 bags of clothes that I was going to bring to the Salvation Army. I'm not sure what size of pants you wear but you look smaller than me. Some pants are new I never wore but they are to small, they are size 8 or 9. Let me know if you want me to keep these for you instead. I realise that it's easy to say, but time will heal, I am sad to but you have to be strong.I'd like to bring flowers and burn some candles and read some poems for dogs about the Rainbow Bridge. It sounds corny but I did that for my other dog and I felt better. I remember that you said that someone had a mobile home that was finished? I understand the stress so its ok if you dont reply right away, but let me know how you are doing. Carole

I am so sorry. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. I planned on coming by today but your website indicates people should stay away. Please keep me posted. If you need a place to keep donations, people can drop them off at my place. I can help maintain the website or blog if you wish. If you need help sunday, monday (I took it off) or any other time please do not be afraid to ask. Lastly remember the old saying "It's always darkest before the dawn" Don

Michelle, I am so very sorry. I can only imagine how you must feel. If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. What a terrible tragedy. And thank God I didn't wait to get Chester. He really is so lovely and I promise I will take very good care of him. I am sure you will get back on your feet and start again. My thoughts are with you. Let me know if I can help. Take care of yourself. Sue

Dear Michelle, Speaking for the other members of Animal Aide Pontiac, we are so very, very sorry for you and the dear animals who lost their lives. We are a relatively new group, based in Shawville, but with members all over Pontiac County. What can we do to help? Naturally, we don't have much money, (but we will see what we can do), but is there anything else we can do to help you revive your group. Please get in touch. We are all working for the same thing and there must be something we can contribute. Best wishes and please know that we are thinking of you and hoping to help out. Gail

Hello, My son and I were so sorry to hear about your loss. We are truly saddened for you. On behalf of Sachi, the German Shepherd mix you helped us find a home for, I'd like to make a donation to help you during this sad time. Please let me know which is the fastest way to help you out. Thinking of you, Joanne and Joey

Michelle: I checked your website today (as I am keeping an eye out for a small, quiet, perhaps older dog, to keep my current little miniature Schnauzer company). I was sorry to read about your very difficult news. That is indeed an awful event to go through. I can't imagine what could have started a fire, that would have led to such awful results. If you are in need of help with fostering remaining animals, let me know if there is a dog that fits the above description, and maybe I can help out for a bit. Jennifer

My heart broke when I heard what happened to you. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Is there anything I can do to help? Glenda

Hello Michelle, I just visited your site, and was devasted to hear your news. How can the Good Lord let something like that happen to a wonderful person like you. Please let me know if I can do anything to help. Once again, sorry for your loss, and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sharon

Dear Michelle We are SO SORRY. Words cannot express the feelings of one rescue to another on loss of animals and the broken human hearts. We cannot begin to imagine how you feel but we hope you will continue as hard as it may seem now. We don’t understand why such things have to happen to people who are doing such good and to the animals in their care who had gone through so much pain before coming to you. But you are needed! And there are more animals who will need your help. We hope you will be able to honour those lost by getting going again and having the courage to continue your good and worthwhile work. We don’t know each other, but in rescue there is a bond. We can’t do more than encourage you towards beginning again, when you have lost so very much. May you have the strength, the memories to keep you going, and the support of those in the rescue community as you try to recover from this dreadful shock. We all need you and people like you, We are with you in spirit and if there is anything we can do to help you, such as cross post for help, PLEASE, we want to be useful to you. Being a rescue, we do not have the finances to offer that kind of help, but if there is any way we can be of service, please do call upon us. We will do anything we can to see you through this heartbreaking time. Our sincerest condolences. Yours in rescue, Gerdy Cox-Gouron, Gerdy’s Rescues & Adoptions, Montreal

Hi Michelle, I'm so sorry to hear about what has happened to NARC. What a devastating loss. I want you to know that you're in my prayers. Are you aware of any fundraisers being held for you? Pamela

Hi Michelle I don't know if you remember us but my husband Anthony came to see you about Bear the Cocker you had. We are both saddened to hear about you loss and would love to help you any way we could. Just tell us what you need and what we could do to help. We have suffered a loss just after we came to see you about the dog. We always talked about coming back and I check your site a few times a week. What you do is amazing and there is a special place in heaven for all of the animals you lost. Please take care of yourself. If you need a foster home for animals or you still have any for adoption please let me know and I'll put the word out. Take Care Alessandra and Anthony

Hello, firstly my wife and I are very sad to hear about the tragedy that has happened to you and your animals, we hope God helps you through this terrible situation. I tried to call you and tried to post a comment on your blog to let you know that my wife and I are interested in adopting Kappa. We are going to be in Ottawa this Sunday, and hope we can get together. Please let us know if this is possible. Thank-you and God bless. Rockwell and Joanne

My heart broke when I heard what happened. I have never adopted from you, but I do frequent your website very often looking at all the hard work you do. I will be adopting from you some day, that's why I go to your site a lot. Anyways, the reason for my letter is to let you know that I am collecting donations from all my dog lover friends in the Deep River/Petawawa area (that's where I live) and I will personally drive them down to you next weekend. I am collecting blankets/towels/leashes/collars/as many things on your wish list as possible. You have to keep doing what your doing for these animals, Canada loves you for it. Liz

Good Morning I send you email last night. Very short email and maybe little "too cold" but I just don't know what to say. I know how you feel because I lost my house 29 of December two years ago. I had 9 adult GSD and 8 - 4 weeks old puppies inside the house and 3 cats. Thanks God my mom and my son were home and they were able to save them all. I can not imagine what I would do if I would lost any of them. They are our babies I just got a boarding kennel in Maitland Ontaio (between Prescot and Brockville) The busines is slow for me now so I have a lot of empty kennels (inside) If you need any help with placing your rescues for some time - I am here to help. Just let me know Be strong - we are here to help you Iwona

I cannot believe what has happened!!!! I am so so sorry and I feel for the pain you must be feeling!!!! I know you don't know me but I called you once with questions about flea control and you were so helpful and I really, really needed the help for my pets, and I beleive you knew it was for the sake of animals...I was always looking at your website and wishing we could adopt another dog, (we lost our pet, Otis, a large black bouvier, a year last October. Not a day goes by that we don't miss him.) anyway, I also thought about how I could help...I just can't beleive this has happened!!!! I am so upset, is there anything at all we can do to help??? Our thoughts are with you... Kind Regards from Sophie

Hi, We got Maggie (formerly Kayla, our Jack Russell) from you last winter. I was so sorry to hear about your tragic fire when I read the Ottawa Citizen today. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help you. I can share some household items for you when you get into a place of your own. Best regards, Lisa

Michelle, Im so sorry to hear about the loss of your home and most especially your fubabies. You asked how you will get over their deaths, you wont, believe me... but it does get easier with time. Do you require anything, do your babies who are left need anything... I have loads of friends who are asking how we can help. Please let me know. Hoping that 2009 will be a better year for you and your family as well as for the rescue shelter. Kelly Lynn

I was just informed of your fire. I'm devastated to learn about it. We are a humane society just outside of Smiths Falls. We have SEVERAL cat carriers that we were going to get rid of, as well as some small dog crates. You are welcome to them. We also have several other things on your wish list that we are probably not using ourselves. We would be happy to donate in any way we can if you are interested. I just don't want to send donations of things that you are no longer in need of. What are the MAIN things you require immediately? Stacie

Oh Michelle! We have been away over new years and come back to the news of your devastating fire. We are so very sorry. Brian and Max and I know first-hand how very dedicated you are to the lucky little ones who come your way. Our hearts go out to you. We hope that you are doing o.k. and are taking strength in the great work you have done. We know you will come through this and NARC will survive! Best regards, Carol

Hi Michelle, How are you doing? You haven't been far from my mind since I saw the news Saturday night. Keep your chin up o.k. you and your daughter and niece are o.k. If me or Ryan can help in any way let me know. Talk to you soon. Diana

I just wanted to say that I am so very sorry to what happened to the animals and your home. I can not express the amount of sadness I have for you, Im so sorry for your loss. did Panda make it? Im sorry to bring her up but I just wanted to know... I will help as much as I can, just let me know Sincerely Morgan

Hi Michelle, I hope you are doing well! It was great to meet you the other day and it's good to see on your website that the community is helping you out - you deserve it, it is a great thing that you do! I wanted to update you on Chachi. Well we have only had him for just over 48 hours but boy do we ever adore him! He is such a good boy.....he's loving his walks around Carleton Place! He is right at home here...he sleeps in our bed with us and tunnels under the covers just like you said. He loves to perch on top of our couch and watch out the window! He's so lovable and loves to be near us at all times. He is a perfect addition to our family and we love him to bits already! I will continue to keep you posted, but I just wanted to let you know that he is doing great! We feel so lucky and happy to have him...he's in great hands! I hope everything goes smoothly with the mobile home....I really admire what you do and your courage to keep going! All the Best, Alison and Nick

I actually came across your actual website just after I send the email. I'm very sorry to hear about the fire and the losses of your animals. Hope you can get things up and running again soon! All the best!

Michelle!!!! OMG!!!! I'm so sorry, I'm lost for words..... Hugs my poor sweety!! I would love to come help you out with the trailer, or what ever; I am in process of renovating my home, so I know a few things about what you need to do. I can come this Saturday for a few hours and help out with anything I can. I am trying to get some others to come too!!! take care, all our thoughts are with you, Kel = ( xoxo

Hi Michelle, I am a volunteer with Gerdy's Rescue and I want to offer you my support and of course condolence. I have heard many great things about you through Debbie Groves about all the good you do. I wish you well Michelle - my heart pains for you and your lose. Please know that if there is anything I can do for you, do not hesitate to ask...I am here. Peace Michelle. Joy

Bonsoir Mme Mayer, Je vous envoie ce court message pour vous dire que nous sommes à monter une journée pyjama toutou à l'école pour venir en aide à NARC. Je vous ferai suivre les détails sous peu. Bien à vous, Marie

Hello Michélle I read your email I was going to send a thank you email in response but I read about the Fire and I would like to send our sympathies to you from Nathalie myself and Hope. Sincerely Allen

Mimi: My heart goes out to you in this time of great tragedy. Yes the house can be rebuilt, and you and family are all safe; however the lose of some of your critter friends must be devastating. I personnally have had Panda on my mind for the past couple of days, and I'm hoping she is O.K. I stopped by Friday late afternoon at the house. Your sister as well as Adrianne were there, but did not get much info from them, only that you were very upset over the whole incident as good well be expected. Please keep me in mind if you need any volunteer physical help. I can certainly provide some hours of clean up or any other chore related to the tragedy. Once again my heart goes out to you and yours. Please contact me at your convenience if I can be of any help. Richard

I am so, so sorry for all the pain and loss that has happened, my heart goes out to all of you and our animals of the earth. I would like to know if there is something that I can do to help. Please let me know.

Hi Michelle, First off my condolences. I truly don't know what to say about what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rescue. I have about 10 large size bags of dog food .....will you need it? I will be happy to deliver it or I could find another rescue until you are back on your feet. I could also hold onto it for a while if that is what you would like. Wendy

Dear Michelle I just heard about your home and I am truly lost for words. God bless you and all the good work you do for these animals. I understand how you must feel...the house can be replaced, it is the other that you will beat yourself up about. It is not your fault and don't punish yourself for what happened. I am about an 1 1/2 hours away or I would be there everyday that I could to help you. I know your thinking whatever....but honestly if I was closer I would be there. On a happy note Scarlet is doing so well Michelle...she has gained 4 lbs and gets stronger every day. She has personality plus....the other dogs are really getting to know her and accept her. We love her so much as well as our other dogs. She will be going to the vets on Thursday for a check up and the remainder of her shots. If you have documentation of her rabies and worming could you send it...I understand if you lost it in the fire. I am enclosing a photo of Scarlet...yes we kept the name it suits her very much. She has made a lot of new friends including all the neighbours..lol...she is one big love bug....Again Michelle I feel for you at this time and just know I am thinking of you...all the best CIndy

Michelle, I'm at a loss for words...I was writing to say I'm sorry for not making it on the 1st. What time did this all happen, I somehow feel if I had been there I could have helped, or perhaps it's fate I did not show. Either way, if there's anything I can do, please don't be shy. I can barely imagine how everyone must be feeling. Hang in there as there will always be light after the darkness. Again, I'm truly sorry for your loss and I hope everyone can find something to hold on to in this troubling time. Take care. Anne

Hello Michelle, I was just informed by a reader that you had a fire??? I would like to write about it on the blog if you can give me some details. Maybe we could raise some money which I am sure is ever more needed now than ever before! Thanks so much, Liz

Dear Michelle, My family and I were so saddened to hear about the fire at NARC. We all were so impressed with your amazing spirit and your obvious love of all the animals you rescue. Our hearts go out to you. We would really like to do something to help you rebuild...although I'm sure right now you are just dealing with the grief and tragedy of the situation. I have been thinking about ways that I could help you raise money and help you to get the recognition and corporate sponsorship that you so deserve. I have a few ideas, but I will wait until I hear from you about what your plans for the future are. Until then my thoughts are with you. I'm so sorry for your enormous loss. All my best, Jessica and Ruby

Dear Michelle, I just heard about the news of your dogs and home through Liz's Ottawa blog email and wanted to express my sympathy and to let you know that you are in my prayers. Please stay strong. What you had to endure and are going through now, is awful. Nobody could have loved those dogs puppies included more than you. Think that they are in a better place and 'around' you in some way. Hopefully, with the help of the community, things will look brighter again. I will share this news with other contacts. Hopefully with everybody together, things will be better soon. Thinking of you, Miriam

Salut Michelle, Nous venons d'apprendre de tes tristes nouvelles, quelle tragédie:( Appel-moi si il y a quelque chose que je peux faire pour toi, les enfants et moi voudront t'aider. As-tu besoin du linge pour Sabrina (si oui quelle grandeur), pour toi, des livres, des choses de maison ou du manger? Pas de gêne, écris-moi ou téléphone-moi. bon courage, Nicole

Michelle, I am so sorry! I can't believe this has happened, that is so tragic! Don't worry about Magoo's papers, that is the least of your worries. Is there anything I can do to help? Do you need household items, clothing? Just let me know I can do what I can to help, I really mean that so don't be shy to ask! Lisa

Hi Michelle, I'm Amber, Ashley Lamothe's cousin (M&T Glass), don't know if you remember me. Just thought of sending you a quick email to let you know that Ashley and I have posted a post on Kijiji.ca asking for the community's help in getting you and NARC back on your feet. I have also sent around an email at work asking for everyone's help as best they can to donate stuff. People are replying and asking what it is you need the most (pet supplies as an obvious one, household items?, stuff for you and your daughter?......). I just read that you had tremendous help furnishing and getting the mobile up and running (pumbing & electrical), it's amazing how quickly people step in to help. I understand you must get tons and tons of emails.. if you could let me know when you get the chance, that would be great. NARC will be up and running again in no time, I have faith in our community. *** You and NARC are in my thoughts.. God bless. Amber

Hi Michelle; You may not remember me. My in-laws adopted a dog from you last year. His name was Lucky.... now Toby. I just heard the devastating news about your fire last night from a hockey mom on our team who has been on your site alot recently since they are thinking of adopting a dog, I told her to check you out. I am so so very sorry for what has happened. You are such a good person to do what it is that you do. You will overcome this, and you will continue to do what you love to do. If I have anything that I can donate, I will contact you and bring it by. All the best, Linda

Hi there Michèlle, I am so deeply sorry to hear of your devastating loss. Please let me know how I can donate funds to help you rebuild. In sympathy, Marissa