Two years ago, when a fire destroyed the house of Dearborn City Councilman Robert Abraham, the family’s Labrador Retriever, Dublin, was killed. Abraham, his wife Mary Ann, daughter Mary Kate, and sons Brandon and Jared were not home at the time of the fire but felt the tremendous loss of their family pet. When friends and neighbors offered their assistance, they recommended donations to the Dearborn Animal Shelter

On Sept. 10, almost two years from the anniversary date of the fire and with the family’s house restorations recently completed, the Abrahams will host an “Open House for Hope’s Heroes” to benefit rescue animals with special needs. The event is being hosted together with Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter.

Councilman Robert Abraham

“You can always replace your house and your possessions, but you can’t replace a pet who has been a member of the family,” Abraham said. “We decided soon after the fire that we wanted to do something special for the Dearborn Animal Shelter, which benefits so many in our community.”

The public is invited to attend the open house which will be held on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the family’s home located at 510 Crescent Drive in Dearborn. Dinner and refreshments will be served along with entertainment and special prizes.

“We are very grateful to the Abrahams for generously opening their home to benefit animals who need extra special care,” said Kelle Sisung, development director of Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter. “In the past two weeks, dogs have been rescued with collars embedded in their necks. We’ve also had a spate of dogs who are heartworm positive. Hope’s Heroes funds truly help us provide hope.”

Reservations to attend are requested by Sept. 3 via email to rabraham.cpa@gmail.com Contributions of $50 per person are suggested with all donations welcome. If unable to attend, donations can also be made online at www.dearbornanimals.org