Peterson’s Exotic Pet Shop Rebuilds One Cricket at a Time After Devastating Fire

From the ashes they rose. Peterson's Exotic Pet Shop was reduced to rubble after a devastating fire in Rome. But the nearly 5 decade old family business is rebuilding and re-opening, one cricket at a time.

The Peterson’s were uninsured and lost everything in the blaze. With the help of the community, the family is starting over, moving to the old Carrying Place on the corner of James and Embargo Street.

Owner Fangelo Lubbies Peterson is devastated over the loss but writes on Facebook, the family will move forward. "This will not stop us from continuing our family business, just because we lost everything doesn't mean we can't start over."

Shipments of crickets, mice and other foods to keep exotic pets fed have arrived and will be available at Peterson's new location from 9 to 5 Monday through Saturday.

There's a Go Fund Me for the Peterson family to help with rebuilding.

Donations are also being collected at the Bread of Life Community Center for John Boss, who lived above the shop. Monetary donations will be used to purchase clothing and other items needed.

Checks can be made payable to John Boss and can deliver or mailed to the Bread of Life Community Center, 401 N. Washington St. Rome NY, 13440.

Household items can be donated at the center, but you'll need to call 315-337-0470 first and ask for Theresa LaPointe. A donation jar is also set up at the community center.