A fire in Ocean County has left a beloved family pet dead and a home destroyed.
The fire began around 6:45 a.m. on Monroe Avenue in Toms River. Officials say that it took multiple fire departments from surrounding towns to get the fire under control.
The homeowners were out at the time the fire began. Another family dog is missing.
Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries. Two vehicles and a neighboring home were also damaged in the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.