Crime & Safety
Long Island Family Searching For 'Very Friendly' Dog, 'Zeke' Missing In Fire
The coonhound-beagle mix was last seen barking outside of a neighbor's home near Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge off Smith Road.
SHIRLEY, NY — The Thomasch family of Shirley lost their home and all of their possessions in a devastating five-alarm fire on Sunday, but there is one thing that they are hoping to get back.
Suffolk police officers kicked open the back door of their home, allowing eight-year-old coonhound-beagle mix, "Zeke," to free himself from the blaze, but he ran off and has not been seen since, Gabriella Thomasch said Wednesday.
"Zeke" was last seen by two neighbors, first slipping under a fence into a backyard and then by another who saw him barking outside before he disappeared into a wooded area close to the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, she said.
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The fire that claimed the Thomasch's home started on the porch and from what the family saw on a neighbor's Ring Doorbell, it appeared to have been set off by two sparks on an outdoor electrical outlet on the porch, Thomasch said.
The family, including Thomasch, her dad, Ed, mom, Jeannean, and brother, Anthony, was at a Super Bowl party in Hauppauge when they were notified by a neighbor that their house was ablaze. By the time they returned the fire was out, but the wreckage still smoldering and the scene not yet secured.
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It took five fire departments to knock down the blaze, as first reported by Patch.
So far, a GoFundMe for the family has raised about $6,0oo out of its $15,000 goal.
A special Facebook announcement has also been posted seeking more information on "Zeke."
Thomasch's family is worried not only because of the weather, which is expected to change to rain, but also the fact that "Zeke" is Diabetic and has been insulin-dependent for the last six months. It's unclear how long he can go without his medication, as he becomes lethargic, Thomasch said.
Personality-wise "Zeke" is very low maintenance.
"He's super approachable, and very friendly," Thomasch said. "He just minds his own business."
Thomasch is urging anyone who might have information about the family's dog to call her at 631-637-4307.
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