Editor:

On April 20 my husband and I had an electrical fire in our home. We were not home at the time as we were at a doctor’s appointment for our disabled child. Our pets however, were.

Two of our neighbors, Carla and Kaylin, risked their lives to get our pets out of our home, as well as put out the fire before the Summerdale Volunteer Fire Department arrived. Thanks to both of them, they were able to prevent an even bigger loss and tragedy.

Our animals are like our children and it would have devastated our entire family if our pets were not able to get out. My mother had just passed away in February and I had her yorkie in my care at the time of the fire. They saved our two dogs and four cats.

I just want Carla and Kaylin to know how grateful we are for their courage, as well as their ability to act fast in an emergency situation.

We will never forget what they did for us that evening.

It’s wonderful to know that there are still loving, caring people in the world. My husband and I are truly blessed to have such wonderful, caring neighbors.

Had they not been at home that evening we would have suffered even more heartache and tragedy. They are both heroes in our eyes.

Thank you both for everything. We will never forget the danger you put yourselves in to save our home, as well as our pets. The world needs more neighbors like you both.

Thank you both for saving our home and our fur babies.

Much love, from Sam, Niki, Briana, and Dylan French and our fur babies: Mobley, Mariah, Bella, Ringo, Aubie and Tiger French.