“Zoey was more than a pet — she was family,” a relative said of the dog on a GoFundMe established to financially help the pair

NEED TO KNOW

• A mother and daughter in Connecticut lost everything in a house fire, including their pet rabbit and beloved dog
• The dog, Zoey, had recently celebrated her 13th birthday
• Loved ones are attempting to raise money via GoFundMe to cover their immediate needs in the wake of the fire

A mother and daughter in Connecticut lost everything, including their beloved dog and pet rabbit, in a catastrophic house fire.

The fire destroyed the Guilford home of Tracy Vernon and her mother, Sharon Schoenfedlt, on March 25, according to a GoFundMe established by their friend and relative Jason Dombrowski.

“In a matter of moments, nearly everything they owned including irreplaceable memories and cherished belongings was lost or sustained severe smoke and heat damage,” Dombrowski wrote on the fundraising page, adding that the home had been in their family for “generations.”

He added that Vernon also lost her beloved dog, Zoey, who “had just celebrated her 13th birthday,” along with their pet rabbit, Nutter Butter.

“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,” Dombrowski said.

“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,” he continued.

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He added, “Now, Tracy and her family are facing the unimaginable trying to rebuild from the ground up while grieving the loss of their home, their beloved pets, and a lifetime of memories. The road ahead feels overwhelming, and no one should have to walk it alone.”

Dombrowski went on to say that the money raised through the GoFundMe will go to provide support for Vernon and her mom’s housing, clothes, daily necessities and “the long road to recovery ahead.”

“Most importantly, it will offer a measure of stability and comfort during a time when everything familiar has been taken from them,” he continued, adding that “any donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference.”

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“If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping Tracy and her family in your thoughts and prayers,” he said at the end of the fundraising page.

The Guilford Fire Department did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment on the incident.

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