Kyra & Richard Shimizu Colorado Wildfire Fund

A member of our Boulder Puppy Club with Guide Dogs for the Blind is in need of some help from our community.

 

On Thursday, December 30, 2021, the Marshall Fire roared through the neighborhood of Richard & Kyra Shimizu, totally destroying their home in Superior, Colorado. At the time of evacuation, Richard was at home and able to pack up their Guide Dog puppy-in-training, their 3 career changed retriever dogs and their cat, get into the car and escape with little else in the way of belongings. Kyra, visiting their daughter in California, had to learn the awful news from a distance.

 

Richard and Kyra Shimizu have been residents of their Superior home for 10 years. They have also been active members of the Boulder-Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Raisers club since 1998. They are currently raising 7-month old black lab puppy, Lady. Richard took his carload of pets to a friend and fellow member of the club during the evacuation period and has been sheltering with them in their home since. All are safe and comfortable for the time being in Broomfield.

 

It was 2 days before Richard and Kyra saw photos of the burned empty lot where their lovely rural home used to stand. Burnt shells of 2 vehicles left behind in their driveway were barely recognizable. Neighboring homes are all destroyed as well. Kyra, an accountant and an accomplished musician, has lost her beloved violin, bow and 2 beautiful, irreplaceable pianos. Richard, a product manager, has been working a contract position which just expired on December 30th. They have only begun to come to terms with the loss of their many sentimental, valuable and essential items which are now gone.

 

This GoFundMe site has been established to provide Kyra and Richard with some financial assistance during this incredibly difficult time. The community of friends, family and acquaintances who wish to help can do so with confidence through this site. Money will support their efforts to secure a temporary rental home in the area and begin acquiring some everyday needs for themselves and their pets. It will be much appreciated, I’m certain.