Friends unite to care for Wake County fire victim's surviving dog

Friends of a Wake County man killed in a house fire are working to care for his surviving dog.

2026-07-31

Mark Nieratko, 56, died in the fire Monday morning on Guy Road near Clayton. He had two rescue dogs. One dog, Jeffrey, died in the fire. The other dog, Bruce, was badly injured.

Rachel Yates was one of Nieratko's friends. She says Bruce is at the N.C. State Veterinary Hospital in Raleigh, receiving oxygen treatment.

"He is expected to make it," Yates said in an interview with WRAL News on Thursday. "He's not wanting to eat. He's definitely sad and depressed.  He watched his family die in a horrible way."

Yates said she brought Bruce some cooked food Wednesday, but he would not eat. She said veterinarians gave the dog a feeding tube. Yates said they are hopeful that Bruce will recover.  Nieratko's best friend plans to take Bruce once the dog is released from the hospital.

She said the county agreed to pay some of the veterinary bill, but it is expected to exceed $7,500. Friends started a GoFundMe to help pay for Bruce's care.