Community Rallies To Help Guilford Mother And Daughter Who Lost Home, Beloved Pets In Fire

GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford community is rallying to help a mother and daughter who lost their home and beloved pets in a fire this week.

A GoFundMe fundraiser organized by a close family friend, Jason Dombrowski, had raised nearly over $13,000 by Friday afternoon.

Funds will go toward supporting Tracy Vernon and her mother, Sharon Schoenfeldt, who experienced a devastating fire in their home on Wednesday, according to the fundraiser's description.

"In a matter of moments, nearly everything they owned including irreplaceable memories and cherished belongings was lost or sustained severe smoke and heat damage," the description says.

"While Tracy and Sharon are incredibly grateful to be physically safe, the emotional loss is profound. Tracy tragically lost her beloved dog Zoey, who had just celebrated her 13th birthday, along with their rabbit Nutter Butter," the description continues. "Zoey was more than a pet she was family. A loyal companion, a source of comfort, and a constant presence in Tracy’s life. The pain of losing her so suddenly is heartbreaking and immeasurable, and the silence left behind is something no one should have to endure alone."

The Guilford Fire Department was dispatched to a single-story ranch-style home in the 30-block of Cunningham Drive at 8:27 a.m. on Wednesday, GFD Chief Michael Shove told Patch.

A "room and contents fire" was discovered, Shove said, and crews stretched a hose line in to extinguish the flames.

The occupants were not home at the time of the fire, but firefighters were made aware early on that there were animals inside, Shove said.

"We were able to find them, but unfortunately, by the time we found them, they were not still with us," Shove said.

Shove said the home suffered "extensive" damage, with fire extending through the roof. The blaze was brought under control in about 20 minutes.

The home had been part of Vernon's family for decades, and once belonged to her grandparents.

"As a lifetime resident of Guilford, Tracy raised her daughter Lexi in this home, filling it with love, warmth, and shared memories that can never be replaced," the fundraiser's description says. "Anyone who knows Tracy knows the depth of her kindness. She has the biggest heart and a smile that can light up a room. She has always been the person who shows up without hesitation when someone else is hurting."

Funds raised will help provide immediate support for housing, clothing and daily necessities.

"Most importantly, it will offer a measure of stability and comfort during a time when everything familiar has been taken from them," the fundraiser description says.

View the GoFundMe fundraiser here.