A local husband and wife still have much to be thankful for, even after losing their home and several pets in a fire just before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Peter Callan, who lived in the Yukon area home with his wife, Sharon, said the fire had already started when their dogs’ barking woke him up that night.
“I was very fortunate. The dogs saved my life. My wife had gone to her office and I didn’t hear the fire detector go off. Smoke had started billowing into the house. As soon as I opened the door to the front porch, I could see the flames,” he said.
adly, two potbellied pigs housed outside the residence perished in the fire, as did a Jack Russell Terrier and two birds also owned by the couple. Other dogs that were in the house escaped to safety, Peter noted.
“I ran back into the house and hollered for the dogs to head out the back door. I got them out the back door and hauled everybody (outside),” he said.
If not already evident, the Callans both love animals. Much of their livelihood is related, in some way, to dogs. Sharon is a certified dog trainer who uses those skills to run her business, Paws Be Good.
The Callans also lead a nonprofit, Shelter Dogs For Veterans, which trains service dogs for qualifying military veterans and first responders, many of whom suffer from PTSD or traumatic injuries. Both the dogs and their potential owners undergo a lengthy training process. When the training has been completed, the service dog is given to the veteran or first responder at no charge.
“Sharon keeps her ears to the rails and goes to various animal shelters to find dogs that have the personality to become a service dog. It takes a special nature and it’s not breed specific. It’s the personality of the dog itself,” Peter said.
The fire destroyed various equipment and items the Callans use to do that special training and other tasks for the nonprofit. An SUV was also destroyed by the flames, Peter noted.
“Everything we had for Shelter Dogs for Veterans we had in a shed (that burned) or inside the house, which is totally gutted. Everything we had for fundraising and setting up was lost (including) collars, leashes, shirts, hats, banners and an awning,” he added.
Both Paws Be Good and Shelter Dogs For Veterans are temporarily on hold, Peter confirmed. The couple has been dividing their time between a local hotel and another place where their animals are being cared for.
“As far as being able to train any dogs at our current location, we can’t. We’re looking for another building so Sharon can return to training,” Peter said.
‘A double charity’
Ernie Taylor, a Shelter Dogs For Veterans volunteer, said a GoFundMe account labeled “Callan Compassion Fund” has been created to help the couple get back on their feet. They are also accepting donations of pet supplies, Peter confirmed.
The nonprofit provides assistance and new opportunities for both the service dogs and their owners, Taylor noted.
“I have always had a passion for animals and a great respect for those who serve, so I see Shelter Dogs For Veterans as a double charity. We save defenseless dogs, who find themselves at a shelter simply because no one wanted them, and we also assist heroes who stood between us and danger to protect our freedoms,” Taylor said.
“Sharon picks these dogs according to their character and each individual veteran or first responder’s specific needs. She then trains the dog with the veteran or first responder, in turn creating a lifelong bond and a new opportunity for both,” he added.
Comfort has been provided by the compassion and generosity of those who’ve offered help or donations following the fire, Peter shared.
“We plan on rebuilding and I hope we never move away from this town. The outpouring from every direction has been unexpected and unbelievable. It’s overwhelming how generous people have been with their time and (things like) buying stuff for the dogs or buying us meals,” he said. “With the way the world and the country are right now, that is so heartwarming.”