Bush Fires in Vic, Australia.

[Jan Chaplin]

Just to let you kow that a Pyrenean Breeder, Viv James of Barreges PMD's and her husband David have lost their home and all but 1 of their Pyrs' in the terrible bushfires ravaging Victoria. Tania Kirkland who is a great friend of Viv's, they share their Pyrs etc has taken the young surviving Pyr. Viv received some burns trying to save her dogs and both she and David are being treated for shock in hospital. Viv has been in the breed for many years. I first met her in 1984 when holiday in Vic with Ranee Van Eck, Can only hope all is okay for them after such a tragedy. Been hot in New Zealand but nothing like Australia.

[pat ramapuram]

That is indeed a tragedy!

[Jan Chaplin]

It is indeed Pat. Not sure if there are any Australians (apart from Tracey) who can post further updates. Hoping to hear from Tania when she has more time..

Need to change the heading on this thread but not sure how?? Joe??

[Tracy Bassett]

Yes, it has been a horrible weekend. We are keeping up to date and doing what we can to help, though much of the assistance will need to come later as they rebuild their lives. I understand they would prefer not too much of a fuss at this point. They have to come to terms with a lot.

[Jan Chaplin]

Thankyou for your reply Tracy. I have an address to send a chq from the PMDC in NZ. Viv has been one of our members...

[Joseph Gentzel]

So sorry to hear such bad news.
We have had some close calls in Western USA (California mainly) from fires in past years, but nothing like this that I am aware.
Thanks Jan and Tracy for the information.
Joe

[Ans]

I spoke with Tania yesterday and I will do so today ........... and I am also in touch with Jacqui, Viv's daughter.
Vivienne is in the hospital with second degree burns, but will be ok physically.
After she will be released from the hospital it will be terrible to go back to their property, knowing all the dogs (but 1) died in the house.

I would very much like to raise a fund for them ................... as Viv being a artist and a collector re our Pyrenees she has lost everything she made and collect through out the years.
What do all of you think??
Please email me with suggestions at [e-mail]

Hoping for many responses,
With kind regards,
Ans

[Joseph Gentzel]

Thanks Ans
I thought the same, but of course did not have the details like you have provided.
Maybe we could use Pay Pal for people to send them money to help get back on their feet. Pay Pal can take the money from anywhere in the world and convert it to their currency. All we need is an email address and their agreeing to take our help.
What do people think?
Joe

[Ans]

Yes Joe, PayPal was in my mind too ............. I think this will be a fantastic start ............... when we ask Vivienne now, I'm quit sure she will say, I can not accept this .................... but even the suggestion will do her so good!
The good thing about PayPal is, when she thinks it is too much for her to accept, she can send the money back to who sent it to her.

Many thoughts in my mind at the moment .............
Ans

[Jan Chaplin]

Just had a reply from a friend of Viv and her daughter Jacqui. Cheque will be sent there soon for them. Viv is a wonderful artist and did some lovely art work for PMDC Vic shows. The PayPal is a good idea. Going to go through my Pyr postcards and put a little auction up too. Maybe when things have settled down a bit then we could ask Tania re the PayPal . Musn't forget what Tania is going through too with this tragedy.

[Ans]

I know Jan ............... Tania lost one of her dogs too .............. she was over at Vivienne and David's place when the fire came and distroid everything............
OOHH Jan, you are such a wonderful person with your heart at the right spot ........ thanks so much for starting ................... I'm gonna do the same with my postcards, books and such things.

[Joseph Gentzel]

Hi Jan
Let us know. I will broadcast out to everyone on GPC and put a big note on the Notes area as well
Joe

[Ans]

Hi Joe,
I spoke to Tania a few hours ago.
Vivienne is still in the hospital.
With Tania I spoke about a fund to raise for Vivienne and she tought is was a very good idea.
Tania told me: There are some people offering their help with "things around the house" and she felt embarrassed.
So will she probably feel with what we want to do for her, but both Tania and me are sure she will accept all our help in this.
I'm working out some details and are waiting for answers from my bank e.g.
I'll get back to you as soon as I can with the information to make a "note"and broadcast it to the GPC.
Ans