Firefighters & Petland Unite to Help Ohio Family Heal After Tragic House Fire

When a Chillicothe-area family of six lost their home - and their beloved Rottweiler, Sully - in a devastating house fire, local firefighters felt compelled to do more than just battle the flames. Ross County firefighter Ryan McCainn said their hearts “broke alongside” the family’s when they learned the dog hadn’t survived. Seeing the children struggle with the loss, the crew set out to bring a spark of hope back into their lives.

The firefighters located not one, but two Rottweiler puppies to offer the family double the comfort during their grief. Knowing the Woodruffs had lost everything, McCainn contacted Petland Chillicothe General Manager Kaylee Sturgill for help. Her response was immediate and heartfelt.

“After everything this family had gone through, we knew we wanted to help,” Sturgill said. Petland provided the essential supplies the puppies would need as they settled into their new home. “Being part of bringing some joy during such a devastating time was the least we could do.”

For the Woodruffs, rebuilding will take time, but community support is already paving the way. Thanks to the compassion of firefighters and the generosity of Petland, their story has become one not just of loss, but of love, resilience, and the healing power of animals.

When a Chillicothe-area family of six lost their home - and their beloved Rottweiler, Sully - in a devastating house fire, local firefighters felt compelled to do more than just battle the flames. Ross County firefighter Ryan McCainn said their hearts “broke alongside” the family’s when they learned the dog hadn’t survived. Seeing the children struggle with the loss, the crew set out to bring a spark of hope back into their lives.

The firefighters located not one, but two Rottweiler puppies to offer the family double the comfort during their grief. Knowing the Woodruffs had lost everything, McCainn contacted Petland Chillicothe General Manager Kaylee Sturgill for help. Her response was immediate and heartfelt.

“After everything this family had gone through, we knew we wanted to help,” Sturgill said. Petland provided the essential supplies the puppies would need as they settled into their new home. “Being part of bringing some joy during such a devastating time was the least we could do.”

For the Woodruffs, rebuilding will take time, but community support is already paving the way. Thanks to the compassion of firefighters and the generosity of Petland, their story has become one not just of loss, but of love, resilience, and the healing power of animals.