Animals need homes after pet store fire

DANIELSON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Firefighters are investigating a blaze that broke out at a pet store in Danielson Tuesday.

The fire started in the back of the Commerce Avenue building, but News 8 learned the smoke traveled throughout it, damaging everything in its path.

Pat Doubleday owns the Amazing Animalz Pet Store and she tells News 8 she scrambled to save her animals.

"We got all the lizards, some small animals passed," Doubleday said, "but we got the rabbits, hamsters..."

Some fish are still in their tanks. The bigger fish, along with all eight birds did not survive the smoke.

"I didn't make it in," Doubleday said, "couldn't open doors cause of the smoke, so I knew those were gone."

News 8 took a closer look and found out the Danielson building also houses a doggie daycare, a feed and grain store Pet Depot, and Five Mile Outfitters.

"The soot from the fire basically was pouring out throughout the whole building and it's kind of like baked on," said store manager Lance Collins.

He says kayaks, pet food, and fertilizer are among his biggest losses.

The one thing Collins hopes the fire does not destroy is an event which is close to his heart. The event is called "Paddle for a Cure." He says it will still take place on the river this weekend.

"I've had five family members die from cancer. So I started this," Collins said. "It's like a relay for life, but instead of walking you paddle boats. A hundred percent of what we do goes to Day Kimball Oncology department directly."

The event will stay afloat and the business owners hope they'll be able to do the same.

News 8 got word that the displaced pets are for still for sale and now in need of a permanent home more than ever.