Ben and Laura Clark lose everything to Beachmere house fire, beloved dog dies

A couple who could never have children so doted on their pet dogs instead has lost one of their beloved “kids” in an intense fire which gutted their home north of Brisbane last week.

Ben and Laura Clark were out for a routine doctor’s check-up, just north of Brisbane, when they received a horror phone call.

Together for more than 20 years and unable to have children of their own, Mr and Mrs Clark’s three dogs meant the world to them.

For the past seven years, the Clarks lived at their Beachmere home with their three dogs Shadow, Milo and Gizmo.

Laura and Ben Clark with their three dogs Milo, Shadow and Gizmo. Picture – contributed.

Woolworths bakery manager Mr Clark, 39, said everything changed when police called him on Thursday, August 11, to tell him his home had been gutted by fire.

“We dropped everything and raced home,” he said.

“When we got there we saw our youngest boy (Milo) in our neighbours arms and our middle son (Gizmo) was unconscious in the bathroom.

“They had to put him on oxygen and he was raced to the nearest vet.

Ben and Laura Clark's home of more than 20 years was destroyed last week in a house fire. Picture: Supplied.

“But our oldest boy Shadow was found deceased. We didn’t ask where they found him it was just too much … but he was 17 so we assume he was asleep somewhere.”

The fire had been put out by the time the Clarks arrived home, about 11am.

“It was terrifying. I busted through the police barrier looking for my boys,” Mr Clark said.

“When we couldn’t see Shadow I broke down and just kept saying ‘where is he, where is he?’ until they showed me.

“He was covered up and just lying there out on the road. From there everything was a bit of a blur.”

The Clarks’ beloved dog Shadow, 17, who perished in the house fire. Picture: Supplied

Mr Clark said the fire started in the living room and firefighters believed it was an electrical fault.

“The bedroom doors were closed so a few things were salvageable but the majority of our stuff was destroyed,” he said.

“We had a spare change of clothes in our caravan too.

“But that doesn’t really matter. It’s our boys who are irreplaceable.”

The Clark’s Beachmere home after it was destroyed by a house fire last week. Picture – contributed.

Police told Mr Clark it was likely the entire home would need to be knocked down.

“Our home was more than 50 years old and we just loved that old house,” Mr Clark said.

“We had so many memories there together and with our boys.”

The couple’s other dogs have also been struggling with the loss.

“We’re all trying to cope but it’s been so hard,” Mr Clark said.

The Clark's beloved dog Shadow, 17, who perished in the house fire. Picture – contributed.

“The other boys are struggling and really miss him … they’re always running around trying to find him it’s heartbreaking.

“When we said goodbye to Shadow the boys were nosing him trying to get him to wake up.

“They know he’s gone and that we’ve lost our home … it’s not easy. We couldn’t have kids so they’re our kids and it’s hard seeing them so upset.”

A close friend started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the couple.

The Clark’s Beachmere home after it was destroyed by a house fire last week. Picture – contributed.

“My closest friends lost their house, most of all their belongings and their beautiful boy Shadow,” the friend said.

“They have no home to go to, no sentimental belongings to look back on, and one less member of the family to kiss good night,” another friend said when sharing the fundraiser online.

The Clark’s Beachmere home after it was destroyed by a house fire last week. Picture – contributed.

“I know they may be strangers to many of you but if you are in to position help, please donate.”

Mr and Mrs Clark said they felt wrapped up in love and support from the local community.

They also wanted to thank the emergency services and vets who helped them on the day.