By Adam Ophus

Lost everything

Rocky area family loses home and pets in fire

Mar 10, 2021 | 2:40 PM

On March 4, local residents just north of Rocky Mountain House came home from a grocery trip to find their world turned upside down.

Jessie and Jessica Wales were in town picking up a few things, when on their way home they were informed of the devastating news that their house was burning to the ground.

Thankfully, both children were still on the school bus on their way home at the time of the fire.

The family pets, however, were in the home at the time of the blaze and perished.

Their dog, Abner, three cats, Buffy, Sassy and Bert, as well as two ferrets, Noodle and Kush, and their hamster Tangle were lost.

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Jessica confessed her first thoughts on hearing the news was for the well-being of her two children.

“My first thought was oh my god, did the kids go to school today? Where are they? Even though I knew, I had put them on the bus that morning. Next it was just a blur driving home hoping we could get there in time.”

The children upon hearing the news only had concern for their beloved pets.

Jessie had said it felt like a dream that had turned into a nightmare.

Unfortunately, the couple did not have insurance to cover their losses from the fire.

Friends and family of the couple have been asking the community for any aid they can give to help get them back on their feet.

A GoFundMe has been started for the family.