Dublin, the Abraham family’s Labrador retriever that was killed in a September 2009 house fire, is pictured with Mary Kate Abraham.
DEARBORN – Two years ago, when a fire ravaged the house of City Councilman Robert Abraham, the family’s Labrador retriever, Dublin, was killed.
Abraham, his wife, Mary Ann, daughter Mary Kate, and sons Brandon and Jared were not home at the time of the fire but felt the loss of their family pet. When friends and neighbors offered their assistance, they recommended donations to the Dearborn Animal Shelter.
On Sept. 10, almost two years from the anniversary date of the fire and with the family’s house restorations recently completed, the Abrahams will host an Open House for Hope’s Heroes to benefit rescue animals with special needs. The event is being held together with Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter.
“You can always replace your house and your possessions, but you can’t replace a pet who has been a member of the family,” Robert Abraham said. “We decided soon after the fire that we wanted to do something special for the Dearborn Animal Shelter, which benefits so many in our community.”
The public is invited to attend the open house which will be held on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the family’s house, 510 Crescent Drive. Dinner and refreshments will be served along with entertainment and prizes.
Reservations to attend are requested by Sept. 3 via email to [email protected] Admission is free, however, contributions of $50 per person are suggested. All other donations also are welcome. Donations also can be made online at www.dearbornanimals.org.
“We are very grateful to the Abrahams for generously opening their home to benefit animals who need extra special care,” said Kelle Sisung, FFDAS development director. “In the past two weeks, dogs have been rescued with collars embedded in their necks. We’ve also had a spate of dogs who are heartworm positive. Hope’s Heroes funds truly help us provide hope.”