By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
A small barn used as a kennel was destroyed by fire in Winlock this morning, along with several dogs inside.
The resident was able to rescue some dogs from a nearby building when the blaze broke out on the 700 block of South Military Road.
“Those dogs were saved, those dogs will be fine,” Lewis County Fire District 15 Assistant Chief Kevin Anderson said. “It’s a pretty sad circumstance for the family, but things could have been a lot worse.”
Firefighters from three departments called about 6:30 a.m. found the barn fully involved in flames and fought it defensively, Anderson said.
They kept the second barn and a utility trailer from burning, but the main structure and its contents were a total loss, he said. Its metal roof collapsed, he said.
Anderson said the couple are dog breeders. He thought the animals were Labradors, both adults and puppies. He did not know how many perished.
The cause is under investigation.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
We own a Pridezion Labrador, his name is Tank and he is the most beautiful dog we have ever owned. Tina and her family are wonderful and we are so sad to hear of this tragic loss. Her dogs are amazing and I hope that she is able to keep her lines of breeding going. They are amazing animals. Our love and prayers go out to this family.
We are all thinking of and sending prayers of hopefullness from all dod lover’s
Tina, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I have thought about you all day, I know this terrible tragedy has brought you to your knees. Your friends, the Labrador Community and everyone who has read your story with tears in their eyes are thinking of you….and probably just as I am doing now, holding onto our beloved animals just a little tighter. I know how you cherished your babies, and I know that anyone in your care was cherished as well. … May those that were lost run fast, run swift ever searching for that bird…. Over the Rainbow Bridge. God bless you and yours,
Amanda
This is such a tragic story. I mourn for the loss of these beautiful Labradors and the scars it has left behind for so many people involved. I’m so pleased to see the offers of donations coming from people all over the world. I’ve known Tina for a short time…she is my dear friend and I love her and her family as if they were my own. Our prayers and support goes out to their family beyond measures. Pridezion is a reputable breeder and she has many other reputable breeder friends across the world to help her get back on her feet and continue her passion for the bred of labs.
I’ll second that Christa. Tina is a VERY responsible breeder who has suffered a tremendous loss. What a huge blow to them, and to the Labrador world. This is a nightmare for all involved. She will be in my thoughts and prayers for a LONG time. We love you Tina! Please know that we are here for you!
This is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tina and Family. We bought our first puppy from Tina back in 2004. At the age of 3 Molly past away from a very aggressive cancer that went throughout her body. I wrote Tina to let her know, she was so compassionate. Tina had us come out and pick up a new puppy and did not accept any money for the puppy. Sasha is now 3 and is just a joy to have. Tina has filled an empty spot in our hearts and home.
This is a tragic event beyond words, not only were these top quality show, pet and beloved Labradors, they were part of Pridezions past, future and present- amoung the loss of our friend Sara’s (White Thorn Labs) 3 future hopefuls, and another dog in for board. I know Tina personally, she is my friend and my “mentor” in the Labrador world, she has shared her love, her pedigree’s and her passion for the breed with me. This loss cannot be described in words…it is a devastation that will take all of our love and support…and time to heal from. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family Tina.
OMG I am so tired that I overlooked autocorrect and it placed “irresponsible” over “responsible” just because I hit an extra r!!! I want to reiterate that they are VERY, VERY responsible breeders! I guess that’s what I get for typing with tears in my eyes.
The Owners of this Kennel are hard working irresponsible breeders and trainers of show quality and working Labrador retrievers. I am Honoured to have Them as one of our very best friends and my Dog show Buddies.
There where also 3 other dogs in for training that where lost from White Thorn Labrador’s. My condolences to them and to Jennifer and her family as well.
This was such a tragic accident. This loss has devastated them emotionally.
Please keep them all in your prayers.
So very awful! Mrs. Johnston, I am so sorry for your loss, and that of the kennel’s. So much sorrow lately in this area, so many families hurting. I usually skip over the animal stories as human life is more precious, but this is really terrible.
Our dog was one of the Labrador retrievers in the destroyed barn, my husband is active duty army on Lewis, she was our first dog.. her name was Kit.