Jan 9, 2009 3:10 pm US/Mountain
Llama Ranch Fire Sparks Community-Wide Concern
Written for the Web by CBS4 Special Projects Producer Libby Smith
LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) ―
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Arlene Shkapich talks to CBS4's Suzanne McCarroll.
CBS
One of the wildfires in Boulder County this week started on a llama ranch destroying the owner's home. Bobra Goldsmith, 78, lost everything except the llamas she loves so much. Goldsmith's story touched the hearts of so many CBS4 viewers that now offers of help are coming from all over.
"I think I saw the love in her eyes for her animals," Lakewood resident Arlene Shkapich said about why she felt compelled to help Goldsmith.
Llamas are Bobra's life and she considers the fact that her herd of 130 survived the fire is a blessing. But she's still faced with the loss of everything else she owns, including her car which burned too.
Arlene knows little about llamas, but she knows a lot about the love of a pet. She has two boxers and feels a bond with all animal lovers. When she saw Goldsmith's story on the news she knew she wanted to help.
"I just immediately thought of donating my car to her," Arlene explained.
She'll donate a car to replace the one that is now a burned out shell on Goldsmith's property.
"I can't sell it, nobody's buying so I might as well do something good with it.
Goldsmith is also getting offers of clothing and volunteer hours on the farm. Bobra is lamenting the loss of her home but she's also feeling the warmth of Coloradoans paying it forward.
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