CHILLICOTHE, OH – (June 5, 2025) A Ross County family is finding hope amidst heartbreak after losing their home and beloved Rottweiler, Sully, in a devastating house fire. The Woodruff family of six was left reeling from the tragedy, but the Huntington Township Fire Department and Petland Chillicothe have stepped in to help them heal.
Moved by the family’s loss, Huntington Township firefighter Ryan McCann and his team decided to take action. “When we realized a family pet had been lost, our hearts broke alongside theirs,” McCain said, recalling the pain etched on the children’s faces as they processed Sully’s death. Determined to bring some comfort, the firefighters searched for a Rottweiler puppy to fill the void—and found not one, but two puppies to double the joy for the Woodruffs.
Understanding the family’s dire situation after losing everything, McCain reached out to Petland Chillicothe General Manager Kaylee Sturgill to ask for support. Sturgill didn’t hesitate. “Seeing what this family had just gone through, losing their home and their family pet, we knew we wanted to help,” she said. Petland, with support from Petland Charities, provided the Woodruffs with a shopping spree to secure essentials like nutrition, bedding, toys, and equipment for their new puppies, ensuring a strong start for the pets and their new family.
The Woodruffs’ road to recovery remains long, but this act of kindness has shown them they’re not alone. The collaboration between the firefighters and Petland highlights the power of community and the human-animal bond in fostering healing. For those interested in learning more about Petland Charities’ efforts, visit petlandcharities.org.
