Texas clinic to rebuild after deadly fire

Kimbrough Animal Hospital after the blaze, as seen on their Facebook page.

A late-night fire on June 9, at Kimbrough Animal Hospital in Longview, Texas, completely destroyed the clinic and claimed the lives of 38 of the 40 pets inside.  Johnny Zackary, Longview Fire Marshal says the fire was caused by electrical components in the office, according to the Longview News-Journal. The 34-year-old practice had undergone renovations recently, but work was only done to cabinetry.

Kenneth Kimbrough, DVM, owner of the hospital, worked with firefighters to try and save as many of the pets as he could, taking the two survivors to a nearby clinic for emergency care. The two dogs, boxers named Daisy and Rosco were being boarded for the first time and are members of the same family, according to the Longview News-Journal. Though in critical condition immediately following the fire, the dogs will be released to go home with continued monitoring.

For now, Kimbrough and his staff are operating from Gindy's Pet Express, the pet grooming facility operated by Kimbrough's wife, located next door to the former clinic. Kimbrough told the Longview News-Journal he would rebuild in the same location and is looking into a temporary facility to use.

The community has rallied around the hospital, holding fundraisers and providing support while the rebuilding efforts begin. Organization efforts can be found on a memorial Facebook page set up by a Longview resident. Glaze Veterinary Clinic, another veterinary hospital in the area has set up a fundraising page to help cover costs and has raised more than $25,000 to date.

Additionally, the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation, of which Kimbrough is a member, has pledged to give Kimbrough Animal Hospital a $2,500 emergency contribution to assist with rebuilding and to support the 22 staff member's financial well being, according to a release from the foundation. The foundation will also match donations made to Kimbrough through the foundation's website up to $10,000. Funds donated above the match threshold will be donated to the clinic as well.