ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — One Jacksonville veterinarian is offering families free boarding for one week while they search for new homes.
Dr. William Daniel is offering free boarding of animals to anyone who had their home destroyed in a fire that occurred last week at Belleza condos, in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Daniel said his daughter came up with the idea.
"All we need to know is that they live there and we're more than happy to set them up. We're offering a week, but we'll certainly consider case-by-case if people have hardship."
Brianne Hartleroad made it out of her condo with nothing but her cat.
"The neighbor's ceiling collapsed as soon as I got out of the house with the cat," Hartleroad said.
Now Hartleroad is searching for a place to stay where her cat is also welcome.
Owners lost the items they need to care for their pets, like food, litter boxes and leashes. Daniel said he's hoping the free care at his clinic can help take some of the pressure off for now.
"(Their homes get) burned down, and there went all their clothes; their stuff. Where are they going to go? They have pets, too. What are they going to do with them?" Daniel said. "So maybe this is one less thing that they can worry about."
Beaches Animal Clinic is working with the Red Cross to let the families who used to live in the condos know he's offering that free help.
Patty Mickens lives in the building right next door to the building that was destroyed in the fire.
She's organized a drive for donations to help families get a fresh start.
"This could be me. It's just being a neighbor and doing a neighborly thing. It's as simple as that," Mickens said.
She has already collected more than 300 donations but said those families still need more.
Donations can be taken to Lazzaro Orthodontics, in Jacksonville Beach, during business hours.
Beaches Animal Clinic offering week of free pet boarding for #Belleza condo fire victims @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/SUh4g9oajf
— Jenna Bourne (@jennaANjax) July 15, 2015WJAX
