A Sunday morning fire at 414 Big Bow on Indian Lake destroyed the home of the Drecher family and claimed the life of their beloved German shepard, Trixie. Neighbors called 9-1-1 shortly after 10 a.m. and then attempted to rescue the dog, but were unable to do so.

Mona Dresher said her husband Lee and son Allen had gone to Bastrop to go shopping. While eating breakfast they got a call from their neighbor about the house fire.

“We raced home running red lights,” Mona said. “We were just flying.”

Mona said they took Trixie everywhere but usually not to the grocery store. She said the family has a fifth-wheel trailer they are staying in and that everyone is OK, but the loss of their beloved canine companion is devastating.

Mona said fire investigators will be at the home this week.

She said the family cannot say enough about the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department, who responded to the fire.

“What can I say about these wonderful people? They told us they would like to bury our dog. Can you believe that – they cared about us that much,” Mona said emotionally.

She added that firefighters brought out photo albums and other items that could be recovered, a gesture that brings tears as she tells it.

Despite the toll on the family, Mona is concerned about her neighbor who tried to save her dog.

“She has four dogs and while she is at work I often let them out,” Mona said. “I know she is devastated that she was unable to save Trixie.”

Mona said the family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and that they have already received offers from weekenders at the lake to stay at their homes.

“I know many people were devastated by the wildfire and there are so many others who are needier than us,” she said. “Right now we are just feeling the love; I really don’t think we need anything else.”

Mona said the family plans to rebuild at the lake.

“Smithville is such a wonderful place. Our friends are here and we love it,” she said.

A bank account for donations has been setup at First National Bank of Bastrop for the Drecher family. Donations can be made at the banks offices in Smithville, Bastrop, Cedar Creek and Elgin.

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