Lakewood fire ends in heartbreak as family dog vanishes in chaos — courtesy of Ashley Barahona FB page

Lakewood, NJ — A family is desperately searching for their beloved dog, Bambi, after a devastating house fire forced them to flee their home in the early hours of April 28.

As flames engulfed their residence near 956 E County Line Road in Lakewood, the family rushed to evacuate. In the chaos, Bambi — a small white and tan dog — panicked and ran off. He has not been seen since.

Photo: lakewood fire ends in heartbreak as family dog vanishes in chaos

“On our way out of our home, Bambi panicked and ran off,” the owner wrote in a public plea shared with neighbors and on social media. “He does not bite. He’ll bark, but he will not bite. Please — we are looking for him.”

The dog, pictured in multiple images now circulating online, is described as shy but harmless. Despite the trauma of losing their home, the family has been fully focused on finding Bambi, even contacting professional trackers to assist in the search.

Key points:

Bambi, a small white and tan dog, ran off during a house fire on April 28 in Lakewood, NJ
The family is asking for help from the public and has contacted trackers
Anyone who spots Bambi is urged to call 732-948-0826 or 732-309-4628

Search expands as family holds out hope

The area around 956 E County Line Road has been combed by volunteers and pet recovery specialists. Flyers have been posted and neighbors have been alerted, but as of Tuesday evening, there have been no confirmed sightings of the missing dog.

Family members have also placed items with familiar scents near the home, hoping Bambi might return on his own.

“We’re just hoping someone sees him and calls,” a relative said, adding that Bambi is a cherished part of their family.

Community response grows

Local residents have joined the effort by sharing social media posts and keeping an eye out in surrounding neighborhoods. With the trauma of the fire still fresh, the family says Bambi’s safe return would be a much-needed sign of hope.

Anyone with information about Bambi’s whereabouts is asked to call 732-948-0826 or 732-309-4628. The family emphasized that no action should be taken to chase or restrain Bambi — just report sightings as quickly as possible.

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