Man who lost pets in Black Forest Fire surprised with new puppy

A man who lost his home and pets in the Black Forest Fire received a special surprise Saturday: a new puppy.

Darrell Fortner’s family lost nine cats and four German shepherds in the blaze, and his story touched a lot of people in the community.

“It was heart-wrenching,” Jomond Ervin said.

Several Fort Carson soldiers volunteering with the Red Cross arranged for Fortner to receive an 11-month-old German shepherd named Basila, or Basil for short. They said they can’t replace his loss, but they hope a new addition to his family will be a first step toward recovery. Fortner agrees.

“I feel closer to home already,” he said.

Basil was a donation from the Vom Dortmunder dog breeder. The Black Forest Animal Sanctuary helped arrange the donation, and it also donated a kennel and water bowls.