Saskatchewan couple grieving after losing dogs, goats in barn fire

WATCH: A Saskatchewan couple is greiving the loss of their two dogs and 20 goats in a recent barn fire. Mick Favel reports.

The owners of a farm south of Swift Current are still recovering after their barn burned down with two dogs and many of their goats trapped inside.

On Feb. 21, Alexandra Buffone and her partner James Bingham left their farm, returning less than an hour later to find their building engulfed in flames with 20 goats and two dogs locked inside.

Although neighbours arrived quickly and made an attempt to battle the flames, rescuing the animals was not possible and bystanders watched helplessly as the fire raged on.

“I wanted to help them. I wanted to get in, but I couldn’t do anything it was pretty heartbreaking,” Buffone said.

This was the second fire in three years which devastated their farm.

In 2022, a two-story barn burned down due to electrical issues. The fire impacted what Bingham hoped to accomplish with the land.

He said much research had gone into farming goats, and that he and Buffone had grown a special bond with the animals.

“Goats are almost like people in a way. They have personality to them,” Bingham said, adding how goat farming has been a wonderful experience.

The couple is still dealing with the insurance processes, as well as the emotional toll of the situation, but are determined to move on.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with the rebuilding of the barn.

“You don’t know what you have until it’s gone. I hope people don’t have to go through this because it’s terrible,” Buffone said.