House Fire On Nanticoke Road Displaces Family Of Five

At approximately 1300 hours on Friday, July 24, a house fire was reported on the 25000 block of Nanticoke Road. Thanks to a quick response time by member of Salisbury Fire Dept, Engine 16 was able to quickly control the fire and limit fire damage to the kitchen. Outside of the kitchen, however, there was extensive smoke and water damage throughout the house. Several long-time family pets were lost in the fire with the exception of their sheltie, Scooter.

After completing initial firefighting procedures, the crew began to remove pets from the house. When Scooter was removed, he was the only pet that still had a pulse. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of several firefighters, Scooter was resuscitated on scene and transported to the Salisbury Animal Hospital by Hebron EMS, and later to the Pet's E.R. Despite a heat related eye injury and smoke inhalation, Scooter is expected to make a full recovery in time.

The family, Tim and Tammy Cannon, their son Timothy Jr, daughter Shelby, and brother Michael Dugan are currently displaced and are staying at an area hotel. The family currently has nothing but what they have been able to get since the fire. The family has stated that their primary concerns right now are for the kids, Timothy and Shelby, and their dog Scooter. As of right now, the vet bills for Scooter are expected to run into the thousands of dollars, and he is still under care at the animal hospital. The family has stated that they will gratefully accept any donations at this time, as all belongings in the house have been smoke damaged. Specifically, the family is asking for donations to help cover the cost of the vet bill, and donations for their kids.

For further information or to contact/make a donation to the family, please contact Mike at 443-614-7644. The family would like to express their gratitude for all who have jumped in to help so far.

OK Folks, let's show this Family what we're all about. 2009 is the year to Give Back. This could be any one of us and we need to dig deep, pull together and provide, especially for these children. We will update everyone with sizes and furnishings needed. Thanking You In Advance, Joe

A list of requests by the family has been compiled, consisting of:
-Clothing for an 8 year old girl, size 14/16
-Clothing for an 11 year old boy, size 16 husky or men's medium shirts
-Age appropriate toys for both kids
-Any and all dishes (plates, bowls, silverware, cooking utensils)
-Pots, pans, cookie sheets, and baking dishes
-Towels, hand towels, dishrags, washcloths, etc
-Pillows, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, etc
-Beds, box springs, and mattresses
-Washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator, microwave
-Any small appliances, but please NO toasters
-Furniture for entire house (kitchen table, chairs, recliners, sofa, lamps, etc)

Any other donations will be greatly appreciated, however the family has not yet found a temporary home, so space is very limited. Specifically, the family is asking for monetary donations to help cover the cost of the vet bill, and donations for their kids.

"Hi Joe,

I just wanted to personally thank you for everything you are doing to help my family. We have suffered such tragedy, especially losing our four pets. It is sooooo heartbreaking I don't know if I will ever recover. I am sad for my children who lost their sense of safety and security along with their toys and things. My daughter broke my heart, she said "Mommy, will we be able to get more clothes and toys?" Our sheltie, Scooter, survived and what a blessing! We picked him up yesterday. Linda Lugo donated 500 dollars towards his bills and also said when we get moved back in someday, we can come to the humane society and pick out 3 kitties for free. That made my kids smile!! Will you please send a huge thank you to her for us on your website? Our insurance does not cover pets, sadly. Well I just wanted to say thank you for anything and everything you do for us and others, and for being a voice for our animals. Blessings, Tammy Cannon (Quantico fire)"

Dear Cannon Family,

One of the ONLY rewards to this Blog is knowing we can make a difference in cases like yours. Not to get long winded but I have been extremely fortunate in life and when I chose to retire, I wanted a way to give back and I found that path through Salisbury News. Many people do not realize the sacrifice my Family puts up with but they know why I do it. The fact that we reach an audience in the tens of thousands per day means that we can reach out to the good people of the Eastern Shore and together we can all make a difference. Every time I consider calling it quits, someone like Brooke Mulford comes along or the Red Kettle Campaign with the Salvation Army, Tracy Gibb and so many others like yourself. We're proud to be a part of every ones lives on a daily basis making a positive difference, even for the animals that have no voice. So it is our pleasure to serve you and so many others as we should all never forget where we came from and or the surprises life can bring us along the way.