Fireman’s Family Who Lost St. Bernard in Colorado Forest Fire Get Amazing Surprise

When firefighter Charlie Schmidtman lost his home while he battled the Cold Springs, CO, fire in July, he lost more than just possessions; he lost a member of the family.

“That’s what really made me sick to my stomach,” said Schidtman as he explained to CBS4 in Denver that the family’s St. Bernard, Gino, was killed in the fire.

In the months since the fire, the Nederland, CO community has come together along with the help of the Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation to secretly raise money for Schimdtman and his wife, Bretlin. But the group didn’t stop with just a monetary donation. Watch:

At the end of the 5K race, Mrs. Schmidtman was given a $10,000 check along with a brand new St. Bernard puppy.

“I’m completely overwhelmed,” said Mrs. Schmidtman after receiving the new puppy. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so grateful.”

While the $10,000 will be put to good use rebuilding their home, this special addition to the family is worth far more than anything money can buy.

The Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation started nearly six years ago, but in that time has raised over $1 million for deserving families, according to CBS4.