Martha Stewart's Dog, Chow Genghis Khan, Dies In Pennsylvania Explosion

LEHIGHTON, Pa. — Martha Stewart's chow puppy was one of 17 dogs killed in an accidental propane explosion at an eastern Pennsylvania kennel.

The domestic maven wrote on her blog that she was "deeply saddened" by the death of her dog, Ghengis Khan, in Friday's blast at Pazzazz Pet Boarding, a kennel in the Pocono Mountains that breeds and trains show dogs.

Fifteen dogs were killed in the explosion, and two more died over the weekend.

The kennel was getting a propane delivery when the tank ignited, setting the pens on fire and injuring the driver, Timothy Kleinhagen, of Summit Hill.

Though badly burned, Kleinhagen managed to toss a cairn terrier over the kennel fence to safety. He was listed in critical condition Monday at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

"That man is a hero," said the kennel's co-owner, Karen Tracy. "My heart goes out to his family."

Genghis Khan was a grandson of Stewart's previous chow, Paw Paw, which died last April at age 12.

Stewart announced on her blog in December that she was adopting Genghis Khan, then 7 weeks old, calling him "very cute and square." She said she expected him to be "conquering his new territory in my home soon, with great charm and prowess. I'm also confident that Sharkey and Francesca (Stewart's French bulldogs) will be enamored with him."

Stewart also sent condolences to Tracy. Many of the dead dogs belonged to Tracy and her mother.

"My heart goes out to Karen Tracy and I am hoping for a speedy recovery for those (both pets and humans) injured in this terrible event," Stewart wrote.

Officials have said a spark or static electricity may have started the blaze.

AmeriGas Propane Inc., which owned the truck that Kleinhagen was driving, has declined to comment.

Comments

[roblabrousse]

Yes it is ashame that any creature suffer .

I do know that I would like t have the money that Ms. Stewart will spend on the burial and memorial expenses. It could probably pay my rent for a few months or more. RIP Genghis.

[NoSillyName]

This is a horrible story.

Dogs are amazing creatures.

Very sad.

[Bluesue]

I hope some people feel bad about the driver. He was severely burned. II, too, feel bad about the dogs but there's a person involved here.

I live near there. Here's a link to the story in our local paper.

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090309/NEWS/903090316/-1/News

[cvkathy]

What is truly remarkable about this story is that the one human injured (who’s in critical condition) in this story is barely mentioned. He's apparently just a tiny sidebar to the dead dogs. He wasn't even discussed until the fourth paragraph. That's such a shame.

My heart goes out to Timothy Kleinhagen and his family. It seems he should at least be part of the main focus of the story. It's inappropriate that he's not.

I'm a huge animal lover but even my overwhelming love for animals doesn't blind me to the single-mindedness of this story. Martha wrote, "My heart goes out to Karen Tracy and I am hoping for a speedy recovery for those (both pets and humans) injured in this terrible event.” Both pets and humans? Wow. That’s rather deplorable, wouldn’t you agree?

[dengal]

thats just heartbreak­ing....my heart goes out to all the owners for their loss.

[vshdst]

My sister had to put her black lab down last week. We all cried. It's painful losing a dear pet.

[booker52]

How sad for the dog owners.

[walk0nwalls]

Jesus, that's terrible.

[rockyb26]

this is sad

[toocoldout]

This is very sad news. Her dog will be missed.

[rich misty]

Wow... When I saw the headline I thought to myself... Is this some kind of a joke?

I feel bad about the dogs.

[Wiseronenow]

Martha will sue the propane company.

[datone]

You don't know Martha. Suits are for classless folks.

[IbeHappy]

You're right. She'll buy the company and fire every one.

[Zofomofo]

You actually still think "Classy" is a compliment?

I suppose you are republican and think the poor deserve their lot too.

[psychmaj323]

awww, sorry Martha...

[GoldenGirl19]

Heartbreak­ing...trul­y tragic manner how these innocent animals died! :(

[luvobama]

I am so sorry. This is a tremendous loss. I share the family's pain.