Fundraiser Started For Family After Dog Dies In Bridgewater House Fire

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A fundraiser was launched for a Bridgewater family after their dog died in a house fire on Thursday.

Around 8:20 a.m., neighbor Eric Hartmann and his son were going to the bus stop when he noticed a smell and smoke coming from the home on Alletra Avenue and immediately called 911.

He immediately ran over to the house to see if anyone was home and left his son and dog with another neighbor.

"Nobody was home except the dog. I heard him clawing inside the house, but the smoke was too heavy that I couldn’t get in from the back door to save him," said Hartmann to Patch.

"Marianne lost her husband in 2019 and [her dog] Max was her life. To lose your trusted companion is something that I cannot imagine, especially under these circumstances," sad Hartmann. "The house was also condemned due to the size of the fire and since she runs her business, Cupa Cabana, out of the house, both her personal and business lives have been turned upside down."

Hartmann launched a GoFundMe fundraising website to raise funds "to help Marianne get back on her feet as she will need a lot of support in this incredibly difficult time."

The goal is $50,000. To donate or for more information visit .gofundme.com/f/support-mariannes-recovery-from-tragic-loss

The cause of the fire and any other information could not be released as it remains under investigation, said North Branch Fire Chief Danny Russoniello.

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