Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post Reply
User avatar
Byrdgirl
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:02 am
Location: Bozeman, MT

Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Byrdgirl » Sun Oct 20, 2013 1:26 pm

There was a devastating fire at Bruce Shaffer's house yesterday (GDF member AHGSP). Thank god his wife and two children are safe but his house is a total loss and he lost about 20+ dogs. Some of those dogs were his and some were clients. Sadly GDF member 1doogie also lost his GSP AFC Snip's Sixth Sense Wyatt MH in that fire. To say this fire is devastating is a severe understatement not only for the loss of the dogs but for Bruce's family losing everything they own. I am asking if you can help please donate to his family at the link below. This is one of those instances that us as a dog community / hunting dog community need to pull together. Please donate if you can. Thank you.

http://pitchinbox.com/widget/widget.swf?id=5866260037

~Robyn

User avatar
Vonzeppelinkennels
GDF Junkie
Posts: 2107
Joined: Fri Dec 03, 2010 9:14 pm
Location: Amelia,Ohio

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Vonzeppelinkennels » Sun Oct 20, 2013 1:54 pm

This is the last kind of news I want to see when I visit GDF or any other site my prayers go out to Bruce & his family,also to Doogie & all others who lost animals in this horrible incident. :cry:

User avatar
Knightfarms
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 113
Joined: Sun Aug 07, 2011 9:17 am
Location: Cleveland Heights, OH

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Knightfarms » Sun Oct 20, 2013 3:00 pm

A Facebook page has also been set up for you to share your thoughts with Bruce and his family.

https://www.facebook.com/ShafferFamilyFire

User avatar
Sodey
Rank: Just A Pup
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 4:49 pm
Location: Minnesota

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Sodey » Sun Oct 20, 2013 4:32 pm

I can't imagine the pain. My heart goes out to all that are involved.

User avatar
ezzy333
GDF Junkie
Posts: 16625
Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2004 3:14 pm
Location: Dixon IL

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by ezzy333 » Sun Oct 20, 2013 5:59 pm

So very sorry to hear something like this no matter who it happens to. I just hope out GDF family will pitch in and help in any way they can. Let us know what is needed, my prayers are with you.

Ezzy

User avatar
jcbuttry8
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 801
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 10:21 pm
Location: Bucks County, PA

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by jcbuttry8 » Sun Oct 20, 2013 7:06 pm

Unfortunately, our bama was among those that perished. My heart and prayers go out to all the other owners that lost. Please pitch in and help Bruce and his family in any way u can. Bruce im sure u know that we all keep you and your family in our prayers and let us know if we can help out on the farm. More than willing to make the trip for anything needed.

Joe.

User avatar
HUNT 24/7
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 151
Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2012 7:52 pm
Location: N.B Canada

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by HUNT 24/7 » Sun Oct 20, 2013 7:24 pm

So sorry for your loss, glad your family is ok

User avatar
mlittle
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 173
Joined: Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:20 pm
Location: Versailles KY

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by mlittle » Sun Oct 20, 2013 7:31 pm

Glad the family is ok. That is a terrible loss. I have been through one myself a few years back. It is a very emotional time for all of you. Thoughts are with you all and the others that had losses.

User avatar
sh0rthair
Rank: Junior Hunter
Posts: 84
Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:40 pm
Location: Knoxville, Iowa

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by sh0rthair » Sun Oct 20, 2013 7:32 pm

Sorry to hear about the loss. You, your family and your clients are in my thoughts and prayers.

User avatar
Byrdgirl
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:02 am
Location: Bozeman, MT

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Byrdgirl » Sun Oct 20, 2013 7:50 pm

Oh Joe...so incredibly sorry for your loss.
This is just such a tragedy. I can't even begin to imagine your loss. My prayers tonight will include your family. So sorry for you and Jon and Raf and the others. Hang in there. :(

User avatar
SubMariner
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 863
Joined: Wed May 27, 2009 7:47 am
Location: Tampa, FL

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by SubMariner » Sun Oct 20, 2013 7:50 pm

This is shocking... I am so sorry for Bruce and his family as well as all those who have lost beloved dogs.

My heart goes out to you all...

User avatar
jcbuttry8
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 801
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 10:21 pm
Location: Bucks County, PA

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by jcbuttry8 » Sun Oct 20, 2013 8:11 pm

Thank you byrdgirl. Its been a tough day. Torn between my loss and knowing that Bruce and his family have lost everything. I couldnt imagine that kind of loss. I know heck be back at it. When he does, heck be training our next prospect.

Joe

User avatar
mountaindogs
GDF Junkie
Posts: 2449
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 9:33 pm
Location: TN

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by mountaindogs » Sun Oct 20, 2013 9:06 pm

My heart breaks over this. So so sorry for everyone involved. Its such a shocking tragedy.

User avatar
Byrdgirl
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:02 am
Location: Bozeman, MT

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Byrdgirl » Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:34 am

For those of you who are not friends with Bruce on facebook. He posted this message late last night:

"I've been back with my family a couple hours, from what has been the longest 1400 miles and 36 hours of my life. To say I'm utterly gutted & destroyed emotionally is an understatement. 1st and foremost, the most important treasures in my life; my daughters Raine & Storm and Wife Jen are safe. The second most important treasures in my life, all of the dogs, were lost to a house fire Friday night as... I was enroute to Eureka, KS for Nationals. The house is completely down to the foundation and absolutely nothing is left. I've drawn great strength and a greater resolve to overcome this, thanks to the tremendous support of all that have been reaching out to us to help. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. For all that have messaged me, please bare with me as I try to respond to each and every one of you, as my only source of connectivity is my cell phone. We all know how joyous typing messages on a cell phone are....
I will know more tomorrow and will reach out in the coming days. Right now, about all I can share is, that due to Insurance Companies dislike for large numbers of dogs, we were uninsured after our carrier dropped us and unable to secure new insurance that would have covered our "unique" home business.
Again, thank you each and every one, I will never be able to be grateful enough for the outpouring of support over the past 24 hours, as our tragedy became known."

Please if you are able help donations are being taken for Bruce and his family. They will need lots of help: http://pitchinbox.com/widget/widget.swf?id=5866260037

User avatar
Ruffshooter
GDF Junkie
Posts: 2946
Joined: Sun May 21, 2006 7:28 pm
Location: Maine

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Ruffshooter » Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:54 am

Bruce:
You and your family are in our prayers. I can not even imagine what you all are going through.
So sorry for your Loss and your clients Loss.

Rick and Janet.

User avatar
TAK
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 1389
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:45 am
Location: Utah

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by TAK » Mon Oct 21, 2013 4:02 pm

I have read many great postes from Bruce over the years. This is heart breaking to even read about. One reason this same thing happened to me not long ago. I too lost dogs in our home fire along with everything but the shirt on my back. THe house is rebuilt and many of the items are replace, however my dog Toad and the family dog Tabby have not been. I do have other dogs, but honestly I can tell you some of the luster has left me with dogs.

To Bruce and his... I wish you all the best in your recovery!

Tom Kosmack

User avatar
Willie Hunter
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 197
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2005 8:34 pm
Location: Battle Mountain, Nevada

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Willie Hunter » Mon Oct 21, 2013 9:26 pm

Heart breaking, funds have been sent.

User avatar
QuailHollow
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 122
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 5:21 am
Location: South Central Penn.

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by QuailHollow » Tue Oct 22, 2013 5:29 am

What a devastating tragedy .. beyond words.

User avatar
Knightfarms
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 113
Joined: Sun Aug 07, 2011 9:17 am
Location: Cleveland Heights, OH

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Knightfarms » Tue Oct 22, 2013 5:30 am

Bruce, his family, and our gun dog community will be racing against winter to get their home cleaned up and rebuilt ASAP. If you have specific skills(carpenter, plumber, etc...), time (WV is beautiful in the fall with all the leaves changing), and/or materials (large quantities or a few faucets that fell off the back of a truck) that you would be able to donate and get to WV in the coming weeks, please contact me on here or e-mail me at knightfarms@gmail.com. I will be working on posting a list of needs to the facebook page and the GDF soon.

User avatar
Knightfarms
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 113
Joined: Sun Aug 07, 2011 9:17 am
Location: Cleveland Heights, OH

Gathering info for Project Rebuild

Post by Knightfarms » Tue Oct 22, 2013 7:57 am

I'm going to try to start organizing the efforts the best I can from afar. Please take a moment to fill out this form about how you would like to help:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1M3L-KI ... c/viewform

Join us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShafferFamilyFire

User avatar
Byrdgirl
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:02 am
Location: Bozeman, MT

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Byrdgirl » Tue Oct 22, 2013 10:29 am

A picture is worth a thousand words. Please donate if you can. There is also a website up: http://www.shafferfamilyfirefund.com/ that has a guestbook if you want to leave him your thoughts.

Image

BigJake
Rank: Junior Hunter
Posts: 90
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2011 11:15 pm
Location: MN

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by BigJake » Tue Oct 22, 2013 11:24 am

So sorry to hear this, my prayers go out to all involved.

User avatar
Red
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 157
Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2011 6:08 pm
Location: NJ

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Red » Wed Oct 23, 2013 4:03 pm

So sad. Sending positive thoughts your way...

I also knew one of the dogs lost in this fire, sweet, sweet boy, R.I.P Biscuit...

http://www.shafferfamilyfirefund.com/the-dogs

Max2
Rank: 4X Champion
Posts: 620
Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2011 6:06 pm
Location: Upstate NY

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Max2 » Wed Oct 23, 2013 4:59 pm

So very sorry to hear. Know that your in our thoughts & Prayers . Everyone .

User avatar
TraditionsGSPs2010
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 239
Joined: Fri May 21, 2010 1:59 pm
Location: Warrenton, MO

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by TraditionsGSPs2010 » Wed Oct 23, 2013 6:54 pm

Though my single interaction with Bruce came by way of a phone call, I remember thinking how nice it was to talk with some one who cares about dogs as much as him. In as much as it is a tragedy for he and his family, it is a blessing that his his wife and kids are OK. My heart goes out to all those who lost dogs in the fire.

Thanks to those who posted the links to send help.

User avatar
Byrdgirl
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:02 am
Location: Bozeman, MT

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Byrdgirl » Thu Oct 24, 2013 11:37 am

For those of you who are not connected to Bruce on facebook he posted this update late last night:

Well, the past couple days have been a heck of a wild ride!!!!

We've gotten most of the metal roof folded and stacked in a pile for salvage, as well as a lot of other steel/metal salvage from around the foundation area. No sense paying for tonnage at the landfill to haul it off, when you can make something back hauling it to salvage.

The side building is almost cleaned out, except for the freezer that somehow still had semi-frozen meat, fetch training birds like Phez and even a couple boxes of Girl Scout cookies! Hoping to possibly pull it over w/ the tractor/truck tomorrow or Friday.

Have some folks; Melissa Burkhardt and Rich, Deb Fishel Beyer, neighbors Larry Krumrine and Harry Shahan, as well as Jens brother Paul coming down to help. We'll have a full panel of help this weekend as well; when Jonathan Sensinger, Rafael Franco, John Grimes, Larry Krumrine, Jackie Secan Yeiser and last, but not least; Robyn Klenk show up with their work boots on. For others that are offering to come down and help, I'm trying to figure out a way to sort out how we can do small groups on days convenient to those offering, so as to not overwhelm me and get "too many cooks in the kitchen" as they say.

For those asking what items we need for both now and in the future and offering items they may have duplicates of, Cheryl Thomas Knight and Jeff Lagasse have given me the suggestions of writing up a list of things lost and needed, photographing it and sending it to them and then putting it into an Excel, or Drop Box type file, so we can check off items as they are gotten, or promised; so folks can better see our needs. I'll be trying to get that list together in the next day or two.

For those wondering, the girls are doing pretty good and being real troopers through all of this. The folks at their school have been nothing short of fantastic in helping to keep their routines as normal as possible, as well as being there for them when they are at school and not directly with us. A ton of folks have also helped tremendously and reached out, offering items like toys, games, stuffed animals, movies, books and such that they lost; to allow them to keep on being kids and not have to realize the loss.
Jen and I are also doing well and doing the best we can when life hands ya lemons

Again, I can just not possibly THANK all that have offered support in any fashion enough, you folks have given us a ton of courage and strength to dig in, clean up and rebuild. We're going to beat this, come heck or high water..... THANX TO YOU!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The outpouring from the dog community has been amazing. With that said we are still collecting donations for Bruce and his family especially anything that can be offered financially. We are also planning a Beef and Beer in the Allentown / Quakertown PA area for Saturday 12/7. Please let me know if you are in the NY/NJ/PA area and think you would want to attend or if you are able to donate goods or services to be raffled off. Thanks so much. ~Robyn

User avatar
ptrthgr8
Rank: Junior Hunter
Posts: 39
Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2012 9:32 am
Location: North Dakota

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by ptrthgr8 » Thu Oct 24, 2013 2:13 pm

Is it normal for a trainer who boards clients' dogs to not have insurance? That just seems strange, though I can understand why an insurance company might balk at something like that. I'm surprised there wasn't other insurance available - or maybe it was more a matter of cost than anything else. I never would have thought about insurance for a trainer/breeder, so this is a little eye opening I guess.

Tragic loss for all involved.

~ Greg ~

User avatar
Knightfarms
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 113
Joined: Sun Aug 07, 2011 9:17 am
Location: Cleveland Heights, OH

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Knightfarms » Sat Nov 02, 2013 4:06 pm

Shaffer House UPDATE:

Ready to start organizing all the amazing offers of furniture, clothes, appliances, and building supplies. The link to this online form can be placed in an e-mail to your clubs or groups, and information will not be shared beyond our small group of organizers. This is the link: http://tinyurl.com/ShafferFireDonations

Pictures, videos, and comments can be viewed here: http://www.shafferfamilyfirefund.com/

They need everything from building supplies to appliances, to beds, a couch, coat rack, etc...

Gathering this information and donations is so important because it helps Bruce and his family create a housing budget; they are approximately $20,000 short for purchasing the supplies needed to rebuild their home. If you can donate anything to this family, even storage space, you are bringing them one step closer to having a home for the holidays.

Take a look at the form, fill it out, and push it out to all your networks. Thank you!

MATT4126
Rank: Junior Hunter
Posts: 96
Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2010 4:54 pm
Location: Powhatan, VA

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by MATT4126 » Fri Nov 08, 2013 8:08 am

paypal sent...just heartbreaking and almost unbelievable.

User avatar
Byrdgirl
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:02 am
Location: Bozeman, MT

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Byrdgirl » Wed Feb 19, 2014 8:31 pm

Hey everyone,

We put together an online auction to help raise the final amounts needed to get GDF member Bruce Shaffer and his displaced family back in their home. There are lots of great hunting related items. Check it out!

http://www.32auctions.com/shafferfamilyfirefund

User avatar
Byrdgirl
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:02 am
Location: Bozeman, MT

Re: Tragic Fire at Almost Heaven GSPS - Bruce Shaffer

Post by Byrdgirl » Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:08 pm

Happy Friday everyone!! We added five more items to the auction tonight so please head back and check it out! There are so many items there are two pages so don't forget to go to page 2! Keep sharing and keep bidding! It all goes to a good cause! http://www.32auctions.com/shafferfamilyfirefund

Post Reply