03/12/2026
The Lives We Lost…and Gained
For the past 18 months, my life has been shaped by something I rarely spoke about publicly. The most difficult chapters of my life, played out through accusations, stress and grief, is finally over. The case against me has officially been DISMISSED.
It has been …
18 months since the fire took so many lives, destroyed my home and everything in it. All while “rescue” and “grooming” people stalked, harassed and threatened the remaining animals’ safety.
16 months since a caravan of officers came with guns for electronics, which we would have gladly handed over, if asked. After losing so many animals, the fear for them was all that mattered that day.
5 months since I was arrested for animal cruelty. I am extremely thankful for everyone that stepped up and continued to care for them until I could do it again. I am also thankful that all the animals have been so resilient, even when faced with what others have put them through.
The fire still feels like yesterday and yet also a moment in someone else’s life. I don’t believe the heartbreak will ever end, but I have been told it will ease in time. My home is being rebuilt, but it will never be a home or an “oasis”, as so many of us used to call it. The walls of that home contained the promises of a better life and hundreds were saved. It is extremely difficult for me to be there and even harder to see it stripped to nothing. The restoration company has worked tirelessly and has been faced with even more work while investigations were being done for a year. Soon, it will be complete and more beautiful than I could ever imagine. We even chose to make a very special hidden area honoring all those we lost. My dream is that it will someday contain new life, laughter and hope for a better tomorrow.
My court case is over and has been dismissed and expunged. My thoughts about this and everyone involved will come at a later date. My peace is knowing we will now be able to finally honor them, spread their ashes and grieve their loss.
Over the last 18 months, I have learned of many other fires in homes, rescues and sanctuaries, even firefighters’ homes. It is so scary to think about how fast it can happen and how easily lives can be changed. It can happen to anyone and if you think it can’t happen to you, or your alarms and detectors or “sprinkler systems” are enough, you are wrong. I hope and pray that this never happens to another rescue, but unfortunately it already has and will probably do so again. May they be given the grace and understanding that we were never granted.
We will never forget the lives we lost, how our lives were so deeply affected or how we still were able to gain a few more lives to save along the way. We will forever be changed by this terrible tragedy and know that while some have such hatefulness in their hearts, we have deep and profound clarity and love in ours. Nothing about this will ever be truly “over”, but that chapter is ending and the rest of our book has yet to be written. Our blessings continue and we are very thankful for those that stood beside us and continue to save lives with us.
Much love,
Amy and Aaron
