Firefighters believe the fire started in the attic, and failed to trigger smoke detectors.
"The roof was on fire and I was just freaking out trying to find my dogs and I lost 4 and that's the bad part...we're like a family," said Stephen Partain who was in the shower when the fire spread quickly.
Stephen and his wife Janie Partain started “Westside Rescue.” They find homes for pets of homeless Fresnans.
“We'll be fine down the road but my dogs...it's our dogs... That's the hard part that you can't replace,” Stephen said.
Animal experts urge pet owners to plan to prevent tragedy.
“One of the easiest things you can do is make sure you make sure you have stickers on your windows to show fire department or anyone responding how many animals you have in your home,” said Beth Caffrey of SPCA.
Experts urge pet owners to train pets with drills; make sure pets know where the exits are, and know your pets’ hiding spots.
“The house can be rebuilt. We just really are going to miss those dogs. We've had our rottweiler Brooke for 8 years...she was basically the family mascot," said Steve Partain who grew up with the dogs.
"I was worried about him, we'd been married for 33 years," she said.
The Partains will stay with family for now.
"Everybody out there watching you better appreciates every day and take care of your souls… that's all you really got because this stuff is done in a heartbeat. It's done now,” said Stephen Partain.
If you're interested in volunteering, fostering, or donating to the family's animal rescue, contact Jepartain@comcast.net.
Family Pet Hospital in Clovis has also set up a donation fund under "Westside Rescue House Fund." Call 559-299-8387 to donate.