The community is working to help a Norwalk woman and her dog get back on their feet after a fire destroyed their home.
A 2-year-old dog named Ella was trapped in her France Street home in Norwalk during the fire before being rescued.
“It’s a miracle. I didn’t think I would ever see her again,” said Nancy Choyce LaRosa, of American Legion Post 12 in Norwalk.
Ella was on oxygen. She is still struggling to breathe but has been released from a local veterinary clinic. Ella still has burn marks from the fire, but her owner Liz Ward says she is starting to recover.
“It’s unbelievable, I can’t believe it. Two Mondays ago we thought we were going to have to knock her down,” Ward said.
Ella takes about 10 burn medications and creams to help her healing process.
The September 9 fire destroyed everything in the house. Ella and Ward are now living in a hotel until they can find affordable housing.
“Liz literally has her car and her laptop. She has nothing,” LaRosa said.
“Just to kind of be the recipient and get the attention and everything. It’s not something I’m used to,” Ward said.
Tickets are $25 and the legion says people have already sent checks. Ward says anything can help.
Norwalk Fire is still investigating the cause of the fire.