To the editor:

Animal lovers all over the city are mourning the injuries and loss of dogs in the recent fire at Christal K-9. Those of us who love our pets like family can feel the pain of the families involved, and our hearts go out to each one of you at this very sad time. 

Christal K-9 has been a well respected business for many years. We take our pets there because we trust the Devins and their staff and we know they love our animals almost as much as we do. The Devins have dedicated their lives to dogs in their business as well as their work with the American Kennel Club. Ironically and luckily the animal oxygen masks were a thank you gift from an area dog club who had been hosted in Lawrence recently. The fire was a tragic accident with horrific consequences. The pain and grief the Devins are feeling must be overwhelming.  I cannot imagine the weight of their sorrow right now.

If they decide to rebuild, I hope we can show our love and support to them as they have loved and supported our pets and this community.