posted on September 17, 2000 07:43:31 AM new
We got a very sad phone call.
A member of our Search & Rescue team (for over six years) just lost his home to a house fire. He lived in a rural area and we're told that it burned to the ground.
That's sad enough and he's devastated - but, the worst part is that his search dog, Trax was in the house when it burned down and was killed. Trax was not only a beloved pet to his family but was also directly responsible for tracking and finding numerous lost persons over the last several years. In several cases he literally saved the persons life by finding them before the Texas heat killed them.... a recent elderly alzheimer patient comes to mind. Trax was as loveable as he was smart - a beautiful animal.
posted on September 17, 2000 08:08:31 AM new
That is very sad, mybiddness. That man must be in real pain. I don't know how hard it would be to organize and pull off, but it might comfort him to have something like a storybook of all Trax's good works--about those people he found and helped. The dog's death didn't make sense, but his life did, and it would give his owner something to hold on to when he felt bad. Just an idea.
posted on September 17, 2000 08:38:37 AM newPareau Thanks for that great idea. We do have a scrapbook of sorts but not one just dedicated to Trax. I think the family would appreciate that.
We're trying to organize things to help their immediate needs. I don't know if they're covered by insurance for their material loss - running out the door now to try and get more information. Does anyone know how to set up a trust/help fund in a situation like this? I don't know if they'll need it - just confused over the best way to help right now.
Your reminder to me that Trax life did make sense - in spite of his death was of great comfort - I needed that reminder.
Trax Credited for 28 direct rescues - effecting many more lives. A loyal and loving friend to his family and to those he saved.
Out of respect for the family I won't post any details of this sad situation, just wanted to let everyone see Trax - he's just a beauty and the world truly benefited from his short time here. I only hope I can do as much with my life as he did with his.
posted on September 17, 2000 01:32:16 PM new
Mybid,
That is so sad. What a wonderful dog and what a humanity serving life he and his keeper led. It has to be devastating to lose a dog like that.
I think around here if money is to be raised for help and account is just opened at a bank and advertized, jars are put around at different businesses with a picture or wording on them.
My thoughts go out to his family and all of the rescue people who feel the loss there.
posted on September 17, 2000 08:10:29 PM new
Mybiddness, I was wondering whether you know how the family is doing. I'm not asking for details, but I was thinking that if help were needed, Trax could do one last rescue. The S&R team could set up something like "The Trax Family Fund" for contributions and material donations. If there were cash surpluses, they could go to the organization itself, and goods could be given to your local charities. Just another idea.
And thanks for putting up his picture. Trax is a very handsome dog--he looks like he was born to wear that rescue vest. I hope you can do the scrapbook over time.
posted on September 17, 2000 09:27:37 PM new
That's an excellent idea pareau!
I don't know if this is a nationwide thing but in California when I was there, police officers carried teddy bears in the trunks of their cars to hand to children. I remember when I was hit by a drunk driver the officer who responded gave each of my boys a teddy bear which they clung to, being very upset over the incident.
A donation fund could stock you full of teddy bears or perhaps have goods on hand such as clothing or food.
posted on September 17, 2000 09:50:37 PM new
Thanks for your thoughts - all of you. The family is in pretty bad shape right now. They've lost a lot. I didn't go to the site of the fire but my husband did and he said that everything they were able to salvage from the house could fit into one small suitcase. I'm hoping there are at least some family momento's saved. I'm a little torn between what to say because it is their business and this is a public forum, so I'll just leave it there.
Thankfully the team members are stepping up to help them as are family and other friends. The search team is set up with PayPal, so we may find a way to use that to run a fundraiser - probably not through eBay - but, possibly as a local community drive. I'm too tired to sort it out tonight, but I'm sure we can pull something together for them. I'm hoping the local media will write a human interest story about Trax - He's been the silent one behind the scenes so often - I'd personally like to see him get a tribute of some kind and that might help his family in the healing.
A sad twist to this is that one of the toughest things about running a SAR non-profit organization is finding people who are dedicated enough to put in the hours and the effort to train a dog to reach the standards that Trax met. Lots of people say that they will - even say that they'd love to do it. But, when push comes to shove and they see the kind of work that's involved - at no pay - most start a back peddle and never follow through. And, I don't blame them - we understand. The owner of this dog made the committment and followed through - even when a "learned" SAR person from another organization kept telling him that the dog was "ruined" because he treated it too much as a pet. He proved her wrong. I also learned tonight that he had picked up a puppy to start training as well. The puppy (I don't know his name) was also killed in the fire. I'm sure that he is feeling gut-kicked right now. Not only for losing everything he's worked so hard for all his life, but for having devoted himself wholeheartedly to something so demanding as training a search dog - and learning to love it, only to lose it. His wife said that they could hear them barking but could'nt get to them to save them. I just can't imagine the kind of pain they're feeling right now.
About two weeks ago I received a phone call from a lady whose mother Trax had located. It's very unusual for the victims family to call us - they usually deal strictly with the police department and don't ever know who was actually responsible for the find. I'll admit it was very nice to actually talk to a person whose life had been positively effected by our work. She even asked for the name of the dog - even more unusual. I had a chance to tell her all about Trax. So, in looking for good in the bad I'm glad that this lady knew his name. I dont know why that makes me feel a little better - but it does.
Sorry for the long post - just needed to get some things out - and you guys caught the brunt of it.
posted on September 17, 2000 10:09:58 PM new
Such a great loss,not only to the family but the community. I like Pareau's idea of a scrapbook. Please let us know how things work out.
posted on September 17, 2000 11:25:13 PM new
The only thing I can add is that my thoughts are with you ALL!
Blessings!
Keith
I assume full responsibility for my actions, except
the ones that are someone else's fault.
posted on September 18, 2000 12:55:25 AM new
Mybiddness, I'm sorry. So sorry. I wish I could help in some way. Don't hesitate to ask for what you need whether it be here or there.
~~Redhead~~
\"It is one of the commonest of mistakes to consider
that the limit of our power of perception is also the
limit of all there is to perceive.\"--C.W.L.
posted on September 18, 2000 10:48:01 AM new
Just a quick update. A lot of people have stepped forward offering help to the family in a lot of different ways. One of our team members wives is going to coordinate our teams help - keeping it streamlined.
We sent out emails asking for any members who have training and/or on scene photographs to send us a copy that we can use to put together a scrapbook. I agree that that's a good step and really appreciate the idea.
Thanks for all your kind words - I will let you know if we decide to run an eBay fundraiser - but, it looks like we may handle it all locally through collections, etc. He's also getting help from other avenues.
As much as he's done for the community I'm really glad to see people are responding for him.
posted on September 18, 2000 11:11:19 AM new
Being an animal lover myself, I can only imagine the heartbreak and pain this person and his family must be feeling.
To lose such special animals is like losing a part of your family, and this person and his family will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.
If I can help in any other way, I will be more than happy to do so.
posted on September 18, 2000 01:10:05 PM new
I cried like a baby when I first read this post.
I have seen a lot of working animals in my time from the M.P. company drug and bomb dogs to the plow horses on a community farm I once lived on. Every last one of them seemed to be in an enviable state of joy while working.
The way I look at it animals, like most people, prefer to be useful contributing members of the family.(Even if it is just scaring away the mailman everyday)
Trax had a quality of life that most humans would envy. He left the world better than he found it. You can't beat that.
If life were a contest of quality vs quanity he has already won.
I agree with pareau. This is a life that deserves a memorial.
posted on September 19, 2000 08:09:09 PM new
Since several of you have expressed a desire to help Trax' family both on this thread and through my email, I hope you all don't mind another update on the situation.
Just wanted to say that we are in the process of establishing a much needed account through a local bank to help with this families immediate needs.
I'm not sure of AW policy on this type of thing, so if you would like to have information sent to you as to the name and address, account, etc. please email us at [email protected]. You will not need to give us your name or other personal information - we will simply forward the bank account information to you as it becomes available to us. I do understand if you prefer anonymity. You can also email me at my auctionwatch email - but, we are hoping to keep everything under one umbrella and others outside of auctionwatch will be using the firstresponse email. We had considered accepting donations through the firstresponse paypal account but wanted to keep this separate from the team for recordkeeping purposes. We are however hoping to establish a PayPal link for his family through the new bank account.
We spoke to the family again tonight and I was given permission to post this information here. I told him that I had put Trax pic on line and he was very touched by all your well wishes and concern for his family. He told me that the insurance company is denying any coverage and said that his policy lapsed September 09. The trailer is less than one year old though and his understanding was that the insurance was paid for a full year at the time of closing - hopefully, he will be able to prove that in the long run, but it has put the family in a dire situation for the moment. He and his wife have two children. Both parents are employed so they are not destitute - but the fire took everything. They have received immediate needs of clothing and food. They are in a hotel at the moment. We're still working on and have receieved interest in a tribute to Trax through either the local paper or other media but are trying to finalize the bank account first so that that can be included in any coverage. I have high hopes for local media coverage to bring in some help.
I am amazed at how well they are holding up - Truly an inspiration for me. Trax and his owner were one of the first on scene with the Ft. Worth tornado and spent the most part of two days and nights clearing buildings. I think it will devastate me if the DFW metroplex doesn't respond equally in his time of need. I'm sure they will, just feeling a little tired and unsettled tonight.
Moderator If you need to delete the firstresponse email address please feel free to do so for me as I'm off line for the evening. Gotta get some sleep.
posted on September 19, 2000 09:49:31 PM new
Mybiddness - As to the insurance, he should have received notice that the insurance would be terminated as of a certain date, info as to grace period/no grace period, etc.
If the family had any kind of mortgage on the property, insurance is usually required by the lender. I would suggest the family contact the insurance commissioner's office in your State government in this matter.
posted on September 19, 2000 10:45:23 PM new
Thanks for the update on Trax's family, mybiddness, and I'm sorry about the insurance problem. Hopefully they can get it straightened out and get compensated, so they can get a new home soon.
I kept thinking about all the things they'll need, now and later on, which led to another idea. I was thinking about what it must be like to go through something like this, and while you'd be genuinely grateful for the goods you're given, they're relief--it's not as if you chose them yourself. They're not yours in that way. Then it hit me: Why couldn't they go to a local store with a gift registry system and a website, and have their wish list registered? Things like the kids' school knapsacks and supplies, clothing and accessories for all of them, cookware and dinnerware, bedding, small appliances, even toiletries and personal accessories, if the store sold them. Then we could pick what we wanted to give, pay the store, and they'd be delivered to the familly--the same way a regular bridal or gift registry works. They could be listed under a code name (like "Trax" so their privacy is protected. This would be an extra way of helping, in addition to the cash donation route. I thought it could be fun for them, especially the kids, and a distraction of sorts for all of them.
Anyway, I am glad to hear they're holding up well, and will look forward to learning more about what can be done.
posted on September 20, 2000 07:02:57 AM newJada I also thought it was mandatory to have insurance as long as you have a mortgage - at least here in Texas. My husband suggested that they call the State Insurance Board to get to the bottom of it. Plus, they've said that they never got any kind of notice of lapse - or grace period. Even if it expired Sept. 9 - there should have been at least a two week or more likely 30 day grace period of coverage. That whole thing doesn't fly - so, I'm hoping he can prove what he needs to prove to get paid. Still, I wonder if he has content insurance - that's not mandatory.
Pareau I like the gift registry idea - my only concern would be that this family would register a "wish list" and it wouldn't ever be filled. That would be like a double whammy to me. Let's say that they spend the time to shop and pick out the items they'd like to have - then no one ever purchases the items for them?
It's funny though that you mentioned the idea of how much nicer it is if they can pick out their own things. Hubby and I were talking about that last night. For example, they all have clothing, shoes, etc. that were donated to them. I'm sure they're grateful for what they've been given - but for the most part it's hand me downs - they didn't choose the items - and how can they help but be reminded of what happened everytime they wear those items?
Your idea sparked another one for me. Wouldn't it be really fabulous if large companies - namely department stores had a "Disaster Recovery Fund" - Let's say that Foley's established a certain amount of $$$ each year to be given in $500.00 allottments to families that were recovering from a disaster. All the family has to do is prove (easy enough to do) that they suffered this type of loss due to an uncontrollable circumstance like fire, flood, tornado, etc. My initial thought was to establish it for people who had given to the community in some way - but, why not for everyone?
It could be called the "Disaster Recovery Network." Just think of all of the companies that could participate - it could really add up. And, wouldn't that be a smart public relations move for companies to be able to claim membership in the "Disaster Recovery Network" --- Yeah! I'm getting excited about this idea. Let's say that each family can choose 5 stores to receive a recovery fund from? It wouldn't fill all of the need - but, what a great start in getting back on your feet. I'm looking around my house and it's unreal to think of all of the things I would have to replace if my house burned - and, I'm just talking about stuff you need - not the extras.
I'm thinking out loud here - so, don't have my ducks in a row yet - but, I'd say that first I should come up with a proposal letter to send to major corporations looking for a company that is willing to head up and coordinate such a thing. In this particular families case, I think I'll contact some of the local stores and ask them to give store credit to this family - But, if a company would take this idea and run with it - the next family that has this kind of disaster could have something already in place.
Plus, this keeps them from feeling like they're accepting charity - it's a lot different than going down to the local Community Storehouse (like our town has) and plowing through other peoples throw aways to pick your next wardrobe. Good intentions - but isn't that like adding insult to injury?
Does anyone have any other ideas of how to pull this off???? Any reason you can see that it wouldn't work? Am I missing something?
Brainstorm time - please post your ideas folks
Geez, I'm really excited about this idea. I can see it now - the stores have a plaque that says, "We Give Back To Our Community Through The Disaster Recovery Network." Cool!
posted on September 20, 2000 08:12:04 AM new
Terrific idea, mybiddness! That'd be a great publicity vehicle for the stores, and I'd think they'd go for it. With respect to my idea and yours, what about suggesting a matching-value thing with the store? We pay for $25 worth of stuff for them, and the store matches it with $25 more. It'd be, again, a publicity vehicle for the store, and it would give donors the satisfaction of knowing that their dollars were netting twice the value for the family.
With enough exposure, I think any/all of these ideas could fly. The trick is to sell them to the stores, so it seems worth the administrative hassle (sorry to sound cold, but that's how they'd see it). We're going into the holiday sales season, and it seems the perfect time to pitch a humanitarian concept like this. If you have any personal contacts among store decision makers, why not see what they think of these ideas?
I'm going to think more and if I have any other notions, will post back.
posted on September 20, 2000 09:16:51 AM new
I love the matching funds idea - maybe that could be set up as an idea to add to what the store is already contributing. Let's say XYZ store has 10 recovery certificates available to the community. Your donation can be added and matched to increase the # of certificates available.
Also, I think this would have to be coordinated nationwide through a corporation that keeps track of Network members. It's the early stages and frankly, I'm trying to concentrate on this particular family first - but, I think it's viable - just wondering if this should be set up for management through an existing large non-profit - or should a store (example Wal Mart) coordinate things for participants. The recovery certificates could be handled through each store individually - but the larger corporation would solicit stores to participate and make the list available to families in need.
It occurs to me that there is surely something like this already in place?
I also think the matching funds idea would be great for our local area in this particular case. I'm thinking that once we get the account set up - btw, we're calling it the Trax Memorial Fund for the XXX family - then, I think I'll ask one of the popular local radio stations to run a "we'll match your donation up to XXX amount" kind of drive. I know that this kind of thing happens to people every day - but, I think considering the work that this family and Trax put into our community - this would be something people would want to know about and to help out with. Hopefully.
posted on September 20, 2000 06:42:30 PM new
Whoooo - hooooo!!! - mybiddness is doing a happy dance -
I just got off the phone a little while ago and the local Barnes & Noble Book store has agreed to be the first to offer this family a large gift certificate! Well, he says large - we'll see his idea of large. Still, I'm sooooo thrilled.
The 13 year old boy in the family is an avid reader and lost a huge collection of books - many that he had bought from his own allowance - so, this will go to him!
I also found out that the older daughter recently moved out on her own - so, luckily she didn't lose her stuff.
O.K. just hyperventilating from excitement - this is the first donation - I'm on a roll now! I'm really wishing there was a handspring smiley!
posted on September 20, 2000 07:15:30 PM new
Wow! Congratulations, mybiddness! That's really something, from such a major business, too. I've been busy, but had started researching to see if I could find examples of this kind of thing already set up, or models. I'll keep looking and will report back if I come across anything that looks good. Keep us posted on your efforts, and way to go!
posted on September 21, 2000 12:07:01 AM new
I'm so sorry for that family's loss. At least the material things can be replaced, but not the love and companionship of Trax. What a beautiful dog and such a hero.
I hope you get many more donations. Really a wonderful idea.
posted on September 21, 2000 03:40:14 PM new
I'm running through myself but wanted to post real quick and tell any of you that are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area to watch channel 11 @ 10:00 tonight and Channel 5 tomorrow to get more information on this situation and how you can help on a local level. For those that have emailed me for the bank information I'll be sending you emails in the morning with the bank name & address. Thanks very much
so their privacy is protected. This would be an extra way of helping, in addition to the cash donation route. I thought it could be fun for them, especially the kids, and a distraction of sorts for all of them.
