Jackie Grant
A Lockerbie couple has been left with nothing after their home was destroyed by the devastating floods that hit the region.
Aaron Beattie, 58, and his wife Heather, 45, are staying with friends after their house was partially submerged.
Despite friends of the couple helping them remove some of their belongings from the property and getting most of their pets to safety, they lost a kitten during the rescue and were unable to save their chickens.
Heather said: “The dogs and cats are with a lovely lady who has a cattery and kennels. They were floated out in barrels.
“We are devastated, but also blown away by how supportive people have been.
“We are lucky we have good friends who put us up and helped to rescue the animals and find them homes.
“We are at a friend’s house for now. Hopefully next week we will have word of another property as we won’t be able to go back home. It’s an old cottage built in 1772.
“The clean up will begin when the skips arrive and then hopefully we can begin sourcing things for our new home.
“It’s a very surreal situation to be in.”
After hearing of their plight, Dumfries woman Lee Herron, who runs Dumfries and Galloway Lost Dogs Facebook page, organised a fundraiser to help care for the couple and their beloved pets.
She said on the fundraiser page: “We want to try and do something to help them. They haven’t asked for help, but it’s much needed.
“A few of the animals need veterinary treatment and the family are undoubtedly going to need help and support with rebuilding their lives and belongings.
“In the short term we need towels and blankets for the dogs and cats and help to cover the veterinary treatments.
“It’s also unknown how long the family will be without a home and the animals need somewhere to stay.
“Once that’s covered if everyone is happy extra funds would go towards helping the family rebuild their lives.
“Every single penny will help and I’m asking you to please help this family in crisis in any way you can!”
So far the fundraiser has raised £2,135.
To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/f/flood-leaves-family-and-pets-with-nothing
