WIMBERLEY, Texas — For Laurie Ward and Bryan Toifl, working at King Feed and Hardware in Wimberley is more than just a job – it's a calling.
"We both have a passion for this store," Ward said. "We just love everything about it and the community."
Ward and Toifl worked at the store for about 15 years. When the previous owner decided to retire, they purchased the store and have co-owned it for five years, selling pet food and livestock feed and boasting a garden center.
But their calling is now being challenged after a fire early Tuesday morning.
"It was pretty devastating," Toifl said.
"Yeah, they tried to have the smoke cleared before we could even look in, and then all we saw was just charred black," Ward said. "The smoke and heat in there pretty much melted or ruined everything."
Ward said they still don't know the cause of the fire, but they are mourning the death of their 5-year-old parrot named Doc.
"The community really loved him. I've had people pouring out, telling me they'd come just to visit him," Ward said. "I'm such an animal lover and I have a soft spot for parrots, and so it's tough for me."
Ward and Toifl are now focused on surviving and rebuilding. The owners say they have insurance that will cover most of the damages.
The Hays County Fire Marshal's Office said that it doesn't appear the building itself is a total loss, but the owners will know more once the insurance company has had a chance to assess the building and content loss.
"There's a ton of people that rely on this business that rely on this business just for their animals and projects and homes," Toifl said. "And we try to give back to the community wherever we can."
Ward And Toifl said they are dedicating themselves to a fresh start for a much greater purpose.
"This community needs us and we need them," Ward said.
If you would like to give back, there is an emergency relief fund that will help King Feed employees with bills like rent, utilities and car payments. Click this link and enter "King Feed Employees" in the reference section. You can also visit Ozona Bank and let them know you are donating to the fund.