The call we got last Tuesday was such a shock that none of us could believe it. I had just spoke to Lisa Stolle 20 minutes prior, checking in with her on the county calf that they had just brought to us Sunday to have a last look at before the county show (one week away). Next thing I knew, Jacob was calling me saying that he had just spoke to Lisa and that their cattle barn was on fire! I was in disbelief thinking "how could this be?" Unfortunately, this horrific news was, in fact, true. Their barn, their show cattle equipment and two show steers were a complete loss.
The Stolle Family has been a client of ours for two years. We have quickly built a strong friendship and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Lisa and her husband Mike, along with their daughter, Shelby. They had experienced a few setbacks this year with their county calf but kept pushing along and when Jacob and Jared saw the calf on Sunday, they were really pumped up to see how much he had changed and really come along for the better. In fact, both had told me that this year's calf was even better than Shelby's calf last year (which she won Grand Champion Steer with at her county show). They are very kind and generous people and some of the nicest, most sincere families you will ever meet. Now, to see this type of thing happen to them and see the heartbreak that Shelby is experience is something that I hope none of our clients ever have to go through.
As many of you can relate, these calves were part of their family. Countless hours spent with them and watching them change and grow throughout the year helps build the bond that is so strong. Most people outside of the livestock arena cannot understand why we get so attached. It's hard not to! Shelby's livestock projects were what she did... these were priority over any type of athletic activities. This was what motivated her and what she was passionate about.
In the fire, the family lost their county calf that they had been feeding since the fall, as well as their red angus calf that they had just bought for the spring 2011 major shows. Their barn and all of their cattle equipment was a complete loss. The family has agreed to continue their showing endeavors and all of us at Tusa Show Cattle will do whatever it takes to help the Stolle family regroup and get Shelby ready to show in the future. Our thoughts and prayers and with them during this very difficult time.
Click
here to read an article by the Wharton Journal Spectator about the tragedy.
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