Where are they now? How community helped Lehi woman who lost 36 animals in fire

Where are they now? How community helped Lehi woman who lost 36 animals in fire

(Photo courtesy of Jessie Brimhall)


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LEHI — When Jessie Brimhall lost 36 bunnies and puppies, who were killed in a shed fire last year, the community rallied behind her.

Now a little more than a year later, she’s unsure when she’ll rebuild the shed and return to her old livelihood, but she’s appreciative of the help those around her have given as she landed back on her feet.

Back in March 2015, an early morning fire ripped through a shed that held seven puppies and 29 show rabbits. All of the animals inside were killed in the blaze.

That day was full of heartbreak for Brimhall, where in addition to losing her animals (aside from a dog not inside the shed), online commenters accused her of not caring or even starting the fire. It was also a day full love and support.

“I received a lot of support from my family and people I’ve never even met,” she said. “The day it happened, we had food coming in and our entire dining room was full — flowers and all sorts of stuff, donations and everything. There was a lot of support.”

A GoFundMe account was set up and more than $3,000 was raised. No money amount, however, could fix the pain caused after losing that many pets.

Then one day, not too long after the fire, family and co-workers at the business she works at surprised her with a new puppy, Sascha, to help lift her spirits.

She also received two bunnies that were offspring from bunnies killed in the fire from another donation.

Jessie Brimhall with the dog, Sascha, which her family and co-workers gave her after the fire in March 2015. (Photo: Jessie Brimhall)
Jessie Brimhall with the dog, Sascha, which her family and co-workers gave her after the fire in March 2015. (Photo: Jessie Brimhall)

“It meant a lot,” she said. “It meant that I had a good group to turn to when I needed it most.”

As for rebuilding the shed and returning to raising puppies and show bunnies, Brimhall said it’s something that she hasn’t gathered the strength to do quite yet.

“It was about five years of work and I just haven’t brought myself to start over again, except for with Sascha. She’s really my only that I’ve started with again,” Brimhall said.

“I’m still trying to regroup myself. I know it sounds really silly, but my entire livelihood was there in that shed. It’s kind of hard getting to that point where I’m ready.”

Whenever she does decide to rebuild the shed and go back to raising animals, she said she’s received multiple donation offers ranging from time, money to even bunnies from people within the community.

It’s a similar support system, she said, as the one she found in her time of need.

“It makes me feel just really happy and overwhelmingly full of joy just knowing I can — it’s more like a family to me, knowing I can turn to them.”

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