On July 1st I had a fire at my dog grooming shop at 19 Washington Road in Princeton Junction that completely consumed my building. This tragedy cost me the lives of two of my clients’ dogs and six of my Great Dane puppies along with their Mother “Cherise.” Although I was able to save numerous dogs this horrific tragedy will remain with me forever.
Many people came to my aid that awful night and I would like to thank them for their help and support.
First, thank you to Matt Kemp and the West Windsor Police force. They were the first on the scene and were instrumental in seeing that my vehicle containing the dogs that I saved were safely moved without the rescued dogs getting loose.
Thank you to the truck driver from out of state that befriended the large dog in my van and calmed him down so that the police could move the van.
Thank you to the Princeton Junction Fire Company and the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company for trying to save my building, but….it was not to be.
I have an even deeper appreciation and respect for our fireman after experiencing severe smoke inhalation from going in and out of the burning building. These guys risk their lives on a daily basis!
May God always watch over you…
Thank you to the Twin W First Aid Squad. You were so patient treating me at the scene, even though you wanted me to go to the hospital. I just couldn’t leave until all the dogs were accounted for.
Thank you for staying hours with me, treating me and providing expert care.
Thank you Bettina Roed, West Windsor Animal Control, for being there to help with the dogs and to assist my family.
Thank you to the many volunteers that helped transport the animals that were saved, to Twin River Animal Hospital. They were kind enough to open back up after hours and were there to treat the dogs.
Thank you Hamilton Pet Meadows for sending two employees to take the deceased dogs back to your facility, so I could have their remains handled in a comforting manner.
Thank you Gary Wasko from the Assistant Prosecutors office who conducted his own investigation to try to find out the cause of this fire. (It never was found. It was deemed an undetermined/accidental fire.)
Gary was injured 10 minutes after arriving on the scene and stayed until 1 am.
And last but not least my friend and savior that night, Stephanie Brocksbank from APAW. She was there at the scene minutes after getting the call. She was instrumental in giving the fireman the layout of my shop, and handled the press that were there.
I am blessed by the love and loyalty shown to me by my customers. Your donations have helped me more than you know. Thank you all. I am temporarily grooming out of my Lawrenceville location, the Curry Corner, 23 Phillips Avenue. 609-896-0778
My landlord says he is going to rebuild the building. So with luck and prayers I will return to this lovely town. I do hope to see you all soon. God Bless you all.
Nancy L. Simmons
The Curry Corner
