San Jose house fire on July 4 leaves family displaced, dog critically injured | How you can help

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- What was supposed to be a fun holiday turned into a tragedy for one San Jose family.

After catching fire on the 4th of July, their home is uninhabitable.

But even worse than the damage done to the property was the harm caused to 5-year-old Mooni, the family's dog, who was trapped inside.

"Mooni's got smoke inhalation and aspiration pneumonia," said Rocky Ling, who works for the San Jose Fire Department.

He says while Mooni was initially rescued from the burning home, she became confused and eventually ran back into the house. Eventually escaping again, Mooni wandered the neighborhood severely injured for hours that day before finally being reunited with her owner.

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"Mooni's owners took Mooni to the vet, and they're at the veterinary office for the last two and a half days to the tune of about $5,000 a day," said Ling.

After hearing about the financial burden Mooni's medical bills were putting on the family, Ling and other firefighters started a GoFundMe.

They also donated money through a nonprofit he founded with his colleagues.

"As firefighters, we see firsthand people's struggles, and we're in a position to do something about it. And so, that's what drives us," said Ling.

Ling says while the family is doing everything they can for Mooni, they also have other problems too.

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"They've been there nonstop, day and night, rotating through the family members just to keep an eye on Mooni and show Mooni that they're there, while also trying to recover and rebuild things that they've lost in the home," said Ling.

And even though things might be tough right now, Ling says everyone is determined to stay strong for Mooni, giving her the best chance she can to fully recover.

"She's fighting things on many fronts. She's not eating. But we're not giving up," said Ling.

At this time, the cause of the fire is under investigation.