Pantagraph.com | News | Couple escapes house fire on west side, but 3 pets found dead

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

stosh wrote on Jul 7, 2008 3:30 PM:

" I want to thank everyone that has helped. It has been really nice reading the comments. I also love the fact that the negitive comments have come back into the positive. It means that we can all work together and get through this hard time. Ray and Angie are pulling through. She even came over lastnight to borrow my swimsuit to go swimming at the motel that the red cross has put them up in. They are just taking life day to day. It's hard driving past the house and seeing it all boarded up. What was once a nice home is no longer but with all the love and support they will eventually have a nice house again. We are going to build a pet memorial soon of the pets they lost. Again I want to thank everyone that has helped the Powell family out. We highly appreciate it very much. May God Bless everyone and keep everyone safe this year and years to come. "

Nicole99511 wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:16 AM:

" Hey Cats55ire, you need to back off. Gee sorry I didn't think to look at the post time. Thank you Stosh for letting me know it was you and not Angie that made that comment about the house still being there. Like I said in my other post tonight (which I hope gets posted because it doesn't seem my comments get posted and if they do, they disappear after awhile). I understand completely your frustration and why you were lash out the way you did. I am sorry the animals didn't make it. I have a cat and yes, I would be devestated if my "baby" didn't make it also. Remember the bus fire at the animal shelter in Colfax last December on the day of the Christmas parade. Well, I work with that shelter and that was a horrible tragedy also and 1 dog died in that fire. In fact, the owner had to hear his dog scream. I truly hope the Powell family can come back 100% from this. I still plan on trying to help. "

Nicole99511 wrote on Jul 7, 2008 12:52 AM:

" To Stosh. Apology accepted and I understand your frustration with all that happened. No bad feelings and I wish your family best of luck. Good things always come out of tragedies so maybe there is something really nice waiting. I could only wish the best for your family. "

Nicole99511 wrote on Jul 7, 2008 12:46 AM:

" That is weird, I wrote a comment, it isn't there and Imdawnjed replied to what I wrote. Where did my comment go. Yes, I can understand her frustration with everyone gawking and I don't blame her. I'm sure she knows what an animal in a zoo feels like everyone coming by to stare so I really do sympathize with her. Please don't anyone take the animal in the zoo comment the wrong way and start saying I think she is an animal because the is the best senario I could come up with. They are in my prayers. "

stosh wrote on Jul 6, 2008 7:15 AM:

" To Zeva,
Haven't you every heard that accidents happen and if you read the article again it clearly says that this was ruled out as an accident. Yes they have insurance but as we all know and have seen like the flood victims in Louisana and Missouri. It will take weeks even months for the insurance money to come their way. Don't you have a heart. We don't need any negitive feedback. Just be pleasant and say a few prayers. I know that I will be praying for you Zeva. "

Zeva wrote on Jul 5, 2008 3:39 PM:

" These people had insurance. Why would they need donations when the insurance will pay them. It's the ones WITHOUT insurance we should help even though it is their own fault for not having insurance. Why weren't their any smoke detectors? They may have been able to get the fire dept. their much sooner than later to save the majority. "

powell1020 wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:55 AM:

" We would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support to us in our time of tragedy. We would especially like to thank the fire department for their outstanding efforts to save the house and our "children" (pets). An account will be set up at the National City Bank for us if anyone would like to donate. Thank you Red Cross you have been very kind. To my wonderful neighbors, family, and friends with out you we would be lost. Bless you all! "

GrandmaJan wrote on Jul 5, 2008 8:44 AM:

" stosh: My mom was a Tosh. Email me if you can at grandmajan@gmail.com "

stosh wrote on Jul 5, 2008 5:10 AM:

" To Grandmajan,
Well I am officially not a Tosh yet, won't be until October. Jason Tosh is my fiance. His parents are the late Larry Tosh and Joyce Tosh of Normal. "

GrandmaJan wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:07 PM:

" stosh: IF Tosh is your last name I would like to talk to you. I 'think' we could be related. Just not sure how to get my contact info to you. "

stosh wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:38 PM:

" I want to thank everyone that has help the powell family out. Ray and Angie are my aunt and uncle. I posted another comment lastnight apologising to nicole99511 but it didn't get posted. I just want to say it was I that made that comment about yes the house is still here. We had so many people gawking. It is and was such an emotional day for all of us. If the community wants to help out. They are taking donations at the Mclean Co. Jail House. That is where Angie works. Again thanks to everyone that has showed their out pouring love and support. "

GrandmaJan wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:20 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers go out to the Powell family.
Would someone please post and let us know what we as a community
can do to help. "

seforwood wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:10 AM:

" I 've known Angie 8yrs consider her my best friend.To say that they were pets is very wrong.Anyone who knows Angie knows they were her children.I know because Piccolo &Lucy used to be mine.Piccolo &Roscoe were brothersPiccolo wanted to be with his brother so bad & Angie was such a good "Mom" he moved in with her & visited me.My son brought home another dog that was to be put to sleep &Lucy packed her little bag & moved in with Angie.She loved them so much & they loved her.She called me to apologized for killing my pets.She was in shock.It never ceases to amaze me how callous & selfish people can be when I read that the person was upset 'cause Angie yelled yes the house is still here.How would they feel if their children were just killed in a fire & you couldn't save them!Can you just imagine how she felt!She worked all night then come home to sleep &be awaken to your house on fire!Then the loss of her children! Then all the people gawking at her &the house all day! Dear God, have some sense! would you have reacted differently! "

jphibbes wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:03 AM:

" My condolences Ray and Angie, I'm sorry for your loss. You two have endured alot this year and this is far more then anyone deserves. No words can express the depth of my compassion for you. "

cats55ire wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:01 AM:

" to Nicole95111 - please back off!!! And read indawnjed's comments . . . you need to check the time the comments are written please and realize the article is updated.
And being a pet owner myself, I am concerned about our pets first and foremost if there is a disaster at our home.
I am like many others sorry for their losses--I can't believe how tragic it would be to stand outside a home and watch it burn. My best to the Powells. "

dobug wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:48 AM:

" As a professional photographer, I have to give major props to the photographer. That is an amazing shot!!!
Poor animals and people. :( "

imdawnjed wrote on Jul 3, 2008 9:41 PM:

" to Nicole99511
If you look at the time that person made her post, it was earlier, and at that time they didnt know if the dogs were out or not. The story is updated periodically though the comments are left with the time it was posted. I am sorry you were yelled at for trying to help but Im glad your still offering your support to her, maybe she will read it. We also had a bad house fire, lost the whole house and couldnt believe the hundreds of people that had to watch it for hours, so even though you meant to help, you were probably there after many many others that were there to gaulk. "

Anon Comment wrote on Jul 3, 2008 7:54 PM:

" Wow - that photo raises some serious emotion! I teared up after reading the story and then looking at the photo again. I'm happy to hear from their family ("stosh") that they are okay physically. From the sound of things, they have some great family for emotional support. They have my thoughts and prayers. Hope this very giving community rallies around them in their time of need. "

blogger wrote on Jul 3, 2008 6:43 PM:

" oh wow. So sorry to hear that. The photo is AMAZING!!! Kudos to the photographer. Is there a place to send donations to the family? "

oldlady wrote on Jul 3, 2008 6:39 PM:

" Prize winning photo for sure. We can see the grief of the loss. God bless them. What can we do? What do they need? Very nice home and well kept. What a big loss to the family and the neighborhood. I feel very sad for your loss. I'm so sorry. "

stosh wrote on Jul 3, 2008 6:10 PM:

" Angie and Ray are my aunt and uncle. I am just greatful that they were able to get out alive. They did in fact lose two dogs, picalo, lucy and one cat. I took my aunt to bromenn and she is doing fine. My uncle ray is doing fine as well. I would like for everyone to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. They lost everything but the love they have for each other and the love they have for all their family and friends. I want to thank everyone that showed up today to show their support. It means a lot to the Powell family. "

what r u talking about willis? wrote on Jul 3, 2008 4:45 PM:

" Glad everyone is OK, hopefully the doggies are OK as well. That is just horrible "

cats55ire wrote on Jul 3, 2008 3:03 PM:

" Sorry for their loss! I hope they find their dogs!

Good luck to them! "

Brenstalka wrote on Jul 3, 2008 2:44 PM:

" Incredible photo, horrible event. "

fountainpengirl wrote on Jul 3, 2008 2:39 PM:

" thanks for throwing the fact that 2 dogs might be dead in the headline. really uplifting. "

JimmyChooGirl wrote on Jul 3, 2008 2:27 PM:

" I agree with dwarf on the photo, it really captures their emotions.

How horrible! I am so sorry for this family's loss, however very happy that they were not injured. I hope that the dogs escaped somehow. :( "

zs wrote on Jul 3, 2008 2:21 PM:

" No doubt. Excellent photography. Looks like the house was pretty well involved by the time Bloomington FD arrived on scene. "

lindini wrote on Jul 3, 2008 2:09 PM:

" I have to agree with dwarf, quite the image! "

dwarf wrote on Jul 3, 2008 1:37 PM:

" Kudos on the photograph. I thought that was a painting at first. "

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