Fire Relief for Ryba Camp

My name is Scott Pruter. I have been friends with these people for about 20 years. This is my home away from home. My heart is broken for them. I hope this makes a difference for them in the coming months.

On August 19th, 2020, Petie Schreeder, Sue Bachman and Coleen Welch lost their home and kennel to the wildfire that came to be known as the LNU Lightning Complex fire that stormed through and ravaged the hills and countryside of Vacaville, CA.

Around midnight a Reverse 911 call came in and the rush was on. Ash was falling like snow. Dense smoke filled the air. Dogs were loaded up and even Walter the cat was cooperative enough to find himself in a crate with a litter box. They grabbed what they could (including grooming tools) and took off. Dogs and Petie in Shamoo, Sue and Coleen in their cars. Petie’s new car was left behind.

Plan A - go to the Bishops a couple of miles down the road, further from the fire. Unfortunately, the sheriff rolled up about 20 minutes later... mandatory evacuation.

Plan B – they headed to Pat Mullin’s home in Fairfield. Pat graciously took them in at about 2 AM.  Quite a pack with the six Australian Terriers, Coleen’s German Shepherd, Pat’s Soft Coated Wheatons and Walter.  Around 2 PM the sheriff rolled up. Who is prescient? Ding Ding- you win. YES. Mandatory evacuation #3.

Plan C – landed them far enough away in Martinez at Petie’s parents home

Humans and animals were safe. Thank goodness.

Soon photos and videos of the area were rolling in. It was an inferno. Firefighters could only rescue people who were trapped. They could not fight the fire. The fire spread at a rate they have never seen before. Total devastation for miles and miles. When they received a photo with green grass in the chicken yard, there was a tiny ray of hope.

Friday, they received the final verdict. Everything is gone.

Everything.

They have worked so hard to create a beautiful comfortable home, where friends from around the world have been welcomed with open arms. A place where people loved to meet up. A place for whelping of puppies, to become future show dogs. A place to share a meal. Lots of laughs. House full of people bunking up to go to dog shows. Up at 3 AM for the dog shows. They did everything they could to make it safe from fire. But this fire would not be stopped.

One day it is there. The next day a small pile of ash and rubble.

Gone is jewelry, antique dolls. collectables, artwork, photos and awards of their beloved dogs.

Only memories remain.

But I guess Petie does not have to clean off her desk after all. Darn it – she just refloored her wing and painted it all herself.



They don't know what the future holds, but I know they will persist through the never-ending ordeal of insurance and contractors (in CA this is an ordeal as there are so many folks in the same terrible situation).

I do know the power of family and friends and we are asking for your help.

Our goal is to utilize donations to get Ryba Camp back on their feet. They all left with absolute bare minimum of clothes and other items. They need to be able to get essential things to live on while waiting for insurance to kick in. They need our help with resources and support to help them rebuild their lives from scratch. To give them hope that recovery from this devastation can become a reality.

A cost cannot be put on everything that was lost. Future costs are unknown. I know from the bottom of my heart that whatever you may be able to donate, Sue, Petie and Coleen will be profoundly grateful.

To anyone reading this, peace and love to you. And thank you.