Dolly’s fire recovery

Hi, my name is Stephanie and I live in OK with my husband Anthony and 4 kids. We bought a piece of paradise over the summer-20 acres to become our sanctuary, not only for us, but for animals and our clients. We are both therapists. I work in an elementary school and Anthony has a private practice and works with teens and adults.

Yesterday, 3/31/23, was the absolute scariest day of my life. Anthony is also assistant fire chief for our local, all-volunteer fire department. I got a phone call, suggesting that I pack some things in a suitcase, just in case we needed to get out of the area. I threw some things together for the dogs and some stuff for us; thank goodness the kids were with their biological mother. As I am packing a couple things, our front door opens and Anthony told me that I’ve got to get out of there because “It’s coming.” I hurriedly threw some things in the car and loaded the dogs. I went back into the house for one more thing, and when I walked back outside, the flames were on our property within 50 feet of me. I raced to the car and just drove, hysterically calling my mom (back home in PA). I thought we just lost everything, including our animals, who are like my children. I didn’t have time to open the gates…

Fast forward several hours and untold anxiety and tears. Our home was saved, thank goodness for metal buildings. Our pastures burned. Our chicken coop burned to the ground. Our birds free range during the day and go into the coop at night, but have access at any time. Unfortunately, 4 of our hens and 3 guineas perished.

Our 4 donkeys, mule, and goats were safe. Our lambs…they would be a year old this month. Poor Mary did not make it. Her sister, Dolly, was not willing to go to my husband. As I walked around calling for her, I suddenly stopped in my tracks. She was right next to me and I barely saw her as she blended in with the dirt and char. My poor baby’s wool had been melted, her eyes were so swollen, only slits were visible. She had burns on her legs. Fortunately, she was willing to eat from my hand and drink. I managed to wrap a blanket around her and load her in my car. After numerous phone calls, I found a vet that would see her. I drove an hour. In addition to the injuries that I knew about, her tail was broken, her dewclaws on her back hind feet had been ripped off, and she has corneal ulcerations on the lower half of both eyes. The vet said her eyes must’ve been wide-open when she ran through the flames so the first layer of tissue was burned. An emergency ophthalmologist was supposed to assess her and we are waiting to hear what the plan is. She will be at the vet until at least Monday.

The bill is high; she is worth every penny. Any amount donated would go to her veterinary care, medications, and anything she needs once she comes home. She will be lost without Mary, so we will also be looking for another female lamb Dolly can bond with. Thank you all!