South Side Alderman Helps Man Who Lost Dogs in House Fire

CHICAGO, IL -- Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) is asking Chicagoans to help a resident who lost seven of his nine dogs in a recent house fire.

In a post on Facebook, Lopez called upon residents to support a GoFundMe campaign for Dave Perez, who is trying to raise $300 to cremate six dogs and a kitten’s remains, to pay for veterinary care for his surviving dogs, Winky and Hope. Another dog has not yet been recovered from the charred debris.

Perez was at work when a neighbor called to tell him his house was on fire. Hurrying home, Perez found his home burned to the ground and the whereabouts of his beloved pets unknown.

“I lost everything in the fire. Including 7 of my 9 beloved dogs … $300 will be used for cremation of my 6 deceased dogs. Oso, Maya, Bunjy, Beauty and Chewie. As well as my kitten Leia.

“Bruce has not been found/recovered yet,” Perez wrote.

Winky and Hope are the lone survivors.

The South Side man has already raised $300. The remainder of the money donated by 15th Ward residents-- $4,222 -- over the past two days. The remainder will be used to help Perez replace belongings lost in the fire, such as appliances, furniture and clothes.

“I'm starting from scratch again,” Perez said.

To help Dave Perez get back on his feet and help him care for his dogs, visit his GoFundMe page.