Fire Destroys Barn and Devastates Local Family
By: Paige Preusse
Updated: March 22, 2013
A fire in the Valley this week destroys a barn and devastates one local family.
It started early Monday morning in Sullivan County, and claimed the lives of three horses and several other farm animals.
This family built their lives around this barn, specifically their daughter Bobbie who has Down Syndrome.
Her mom says competing with her horses in 4-H was not only theraputic, but the highlight of her life.
"I could see the flames, and it's hard," said Patti Brenden.
Patti Brenden risked her life to run inside her burning barn to try and save her family's horses, because that's how much it all means to her and her family.
"I don't know if I could have done something to save them or not," said Patti Brenden.
She was able to rescue one, but the other three horses perished with the rest of the family's barn they built back in 1988.
"It hurts me because I keep wanting to know how and why. I just keep wanting to know why," said Brenden.
Patti says the hardest part is that her daughter Bobbi who has Down Syndrome lost her best friend.
"Bobbie doesn't understand. She just keeps saying that her horse is gone. I don't know how to explain to her," said Brenden.
Bobbie looks forward to competing in 4-H every year, until now.
"4-H is all she has. Now I have a little more than a month to find something else for her," said Brenden.
For many people 4-H is just a hobby, but for Bobbie and her family, it's their livelihood.
"It didn't matter if she won or got an honorable mention, the look on her face when they handed her something made it all worth it. She was proud of it all," said Brenden.
Patti says it takes a special horse to bring around Bobbie, one that's familiar with her.
"We got her Mare Missy when she was a year and Bobbie was seven. We put in all that time and now she's gone," said Brenden.
As the family tries to pick up all the pieces and start over, they hold on tightly to what's left.
"I just want people to cherish their loved ones and everything they have," said Brenden.
And to add to this tragedy, as we reported earlier this week, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of arson.
We'll continue to keep you updated as more details become available.
