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Marie Orsini-Rosen and her husband, Phil, Rosen, were not home when the tree crashed into their 28 Elmbrook Drive home at around 11 a.m. Sunday, when strong wind gusts were blowing.
Phil was out walking their 13-year-old dog, Sierra, while Marie was on the way back from the gym. She arrived home shortly after the tree had toppled, completely destroying the house, and initially didn't know where her husband was.
"I thought he was in the house when I came home, and I was calling and calling him, and then it dawned on me to dial his cell," Orsini-Rosen said. She reached him on his cellphone, and he hurried home.
No one was harmed in the collapse, but they can't find Lily, their 13-year-old calico and Maine coon mix cat.
"We're keeping up hope," Orsini-Rosen said. "There are many, many animal lovers who say cats are resourceful, which they are. Lily goes in and out, and she's used to being outside. I'm just worried because it has been so cold, and there are many coyotes in the neighborhood."
Lily is multi-colored and long-haired. She is spayed and has a collar, tags and a microchip. She is friendly but may be scared.
The dog and cat are rescue animals, she said. The family adopted them at the same time and the two get along well.
"They are actually best friends," she said. "The dog is actually grieving looking for the kitty."
The couple are now staying in a local hotel and hope to be able to move into another house soon. They plan on rebuilding their home, she said.
Their children Matt, 28, from New Orleans and Jess, 31, from California flew in to help their parents. The family put up signs throughout the neighborhood, appealing for help in finding Lily.
But Orsini-Rosen is just thankful no one was hurt.
"Every time I look at them and Phil I just think I didn't lose everything," she said.
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