Family lost their two beloved dogs in a tragic fire – but they lived on through strangers’ thoughtful life-size presents

Losing a home and their beloved pets in a fire is a tragedy no family should endure. Yet for Elisia Pothoof and her family, this nightmare became a reality on March 11. She was running errands with her kids on an unfateful day when they got a call that their house was on fire, as reported by PEOPLE. What seemed like a joke at first soon turned into a devastating truth as they rushed back to find their home destroyed with two of their dogs trapped inside.

The fire, which reportedly was sparked by a short circuit in the breaker box, caused extensive damage to their home and belongings, amounting to around $200,000 in losses. However, the emotional toll was far greater. Elisia shared that while their home was a significant loss, the death of their two German shepherds, Meeko and Sona, was a deep blow. "Meeko had the sweetest soul and loved his people, especially our 3-year-old," the owner reflected. "Sona loved food and knew how to get into the fridge and freezer. She was super sweet and also loved her people." Despite the neighbor’s heroic attempt to save them, the intense smoke and flames made it impossible.

As the family worked through the aftermath, including the grief of losing their pets, their three children, ages 6, 3, and 1, struggled to process the loss. "Our youngest doesn't really understand what's going on, but our 3 and 6-year-olds have taken it hard," Elisia explained. The family managed to save three other dogs, but the loss of Meeko and Sona left an emotional void. To ease the burden, Elisia turned to an online Facebook group, which led to an outpouring of support.

Through the kindness of strangers, the Pothoofs were connected with an organization that offered both practical and emotional assistance. They received gas cards, emotional support resources like "Pause with Panda," and, most notably, life-sized stuffed animals of Meeko and Sona from Petsies. "Petsies reached out and said, 'Hey, if it's alright, we would like to make stuffed animals of the dogs,'" Elisia recalled. For her kids, particularly 3-year-old Sunni, these stuffed animals have been a source of comfort, helping them heal during this incredibly difficult time.

While the family remains displaced as their home is being rebuilt, they continue to rebuild their lives, one small step at a time. With support from both their community and online networks, they are finding ways to cope with their loss. "We’re rebuilding," Elisia said. "They said it should be completed before winter." As they wait for their new home, the family cherishes the support they've received and the comfort of knowing that their beloved pets are remembered in a very special way.