A woman whose seven pets were burnt alive in a house fire has saved a puppy after it was rejected by its mum.
Sarah Leverett’s home in Woodingdean was destroyed by the blaze in January.
She escaped unscathed along with husband Simon and sons Luke, 20, and Daniel, 15, but the family’s three dogs, two cats, rabbit and gecko all perished.
But Sarah, who works as a receptionist for Coastway Vets, said she was “found” by rejected pup May, who was handed in to Coastway’s veterinary hospital in Kemp Town.
“After losing our pets in such difficult circumstances I wasn’t sure about getting another dog so soon, because I was worried about getting too attached and then something else happening,” she said.
“I wasn’t looking for a puppy but May found me.
“I discussed it with my family, and we decided to offer May a home.
“I’m so glad we did because she’s helping all of us by being a little ray of sunshine at a difficult time and she has given us something to feel positive about.”
May and her two siblings, shih tzu terrier crosses, were all rejected by their mother and handed over to Coastway, where they were cared for by vet Vicki Shears.
Sarah met May when she was just ten days old and visited her weekly until the puppy was ready for her new home.
She said: “May has a fun personality that’s developing every day, and we enjoy having her around and spending time with her.
“It’s so nice to have a dog again. I’ve had dogs in my life since I was a child, and my sons have always had pets around us, so it felt strange without them.
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“May can’t replace what we’ve lost, but she’s already an important part of our family.”
“She settled in very quickly and it’s heart-warming to see her tail wagging when she sees us.
“She goes everywhere with us, including coming to work with me at the veterinary practice, and my sons love having a dog to play with again.”
Sarah was at work when she learned her house was on fire, while husband Simon was collecting youngest son Daniel from school.
“Everyone I work with has been amazing,” she said.
“When the call came in that my house was on fire, I was in total shock. Our head nurse, Lizzie Ferandji, was exceptionally kind and drove me home, and she started the fundraising page for me.
“Colleagues also called me regularly to check if I was OK or ask if I needed anything, including team members from Kemp Town. I appreciate all the support they gave me.”
People have so far donated a huge £6,600 to Sarah and her family for them to begin rebuilding their lives.
They are currently in temporary accommodation while their home is being repaired.
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