Animal hospital collecting for fire victims

Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital is collecting items to help a family who lost their home Monday night.

The family and two of the three dogs got out when the blaze broke out at 682 Strauss Valley Drive.

However, the woman went back inside to get the last dog and suffered burns. She was flown to the burn center at Lehigh Valley — Cedar Crest. Her condition is not known.

The veterinary center posted today, “Virginia being the sweet and loving person she is went back into the house to save the last dog. We were notified by another hospital that the dog Virginia went in to save passed away.”

The dog, Cheyenne, just turned 2 on April 6.

“Our heart breaks for her loss. She was a very sweet girl,” the post continued.

The veterinary center staff said the family takes care of their dogs and even canceled a vacation so a dog could have surgery.

“We will be accepting donations at our office. No donation is too big or too small. At this time we are accepting donations of dog food, gift cards, money, and small household items like blankets, pillows, etc.”

The Red Cross has assisted the family with a hotel room.

For information, email mahoningvalleyah@gmail.com.