Amarillo family loses pets, possessions in devastating fire

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – It’s been five days since one Amarillo family lost their mobile home in a devastating fire.

Just days after ringing in the new year, the Pixler Family lost their home in a fire, leaving nothing but ashes.

At the time of the fire, no one was home. However, the family lost four of their dogs: Coco, Jac-Jac, Apollo and Nora.

“I miss them everyday. I would fall asleep with them one between my legs, one at my head, one over here and one next to them on the other corner of the bed,” said Lee Pixler.

Among the ashes, the some of the only items to survive were a cast-iron pot and some of Lee’s boot camp letters.

“I lost a few sentimental things, I lost all my navy gear, my certificates and whatnot, but that that’s whatever I’m safe. My kids are safe,” said Pixler.

Pixler admits he never thought this would happen to him.

“I’ve driven by places and say ‘Wow, that sucks,’ but I’ve never thought that that could happen to me, and the one thing I can say is have renter’s insurance, that’s one thing I cancelled a while back because I was like I’m not gonna use that, I was wrong,” said Pixler.

In the midst of this tragedy, the community has already rallied together to help out the family, collecting donations such as, clothing and toiletries.

“I’ve never really experienced that type of thing before. I’ve never experienced a large loss like this before and I’ve never really seen something like this firsthand, so I was just blown away by the generosity of individuals. It is tough times and just the coming together everything, I mean, I still have stuff to go through and it’s been amazing,” said Pixler.

Despite the challenges ahead, Pixler remains hopeful.

“It’s a clean slate, I have nothing, but a lot. So I can essentially rebuild my foundation and grow from there, so I’m looking forward I’m positive with what I have and where I’m going, although sad,” said Pixler.

For now. the family says they have plenty of physical donations, but are still in need of monetary gifts to help with incidentals and a deposit for a new home.

To donate, click here.

The Randall County Fire Department says the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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