As an all-volunteer group...

We depend on our dedicated group of volunteers, who are trained to work under the direction of County Office of Emergency Services (OES) and other authorities to save animals in the event of a disaster.

Join us in our efforts to continue increasing coverage in our county. Let's work together to evacuate our animals, when, not if, disaster strikes.


Our 2010 Board:

Eve S. began her involvement with Sclar after attending the 2nd meeting of the new group, in the  Spring of 2004.  She has a life-long love of horses, but only realized her dream of horse ownership 5 years ago when she acquired 3 paint geldings.   A retired banker, Eve lives in Somerset with her husband,  AJ, their horses, dogs, cats, goats, llamas, chickens, ducks and emus. 

Karen D. has been an active volunteer with Sclar since 2004, when the group was formed.  She and her family have assisted with the annual Diamond Springs Labor Day Bazaar, Cosumnes River Horseman's Association Tack Swap and our major fundraiser, Horse Basics & Beyond.  When not volunteering with Sclar, Karen works for the State of California and raises and shows dairy goats.

Melanie D. has been involved with horses as far back as she can remember and with Sclar since the beginning of the group.  As our Chief Financial Officer, she brings experience as a horsewoman, integrity as our CFO along with a willingness to put forth the effort to publish our bi-monthly newsletter. 

Barbara R. has loved horses since her childhood vacation trips to Wisconsin and riding the farm horses.  With dreams of owning one some day, her husband gave her first horse for Mother's Day, 15 years ago and it's been a love affair ever since.  Barbara and her husband now breed, raise and trail to sell Missouri Fox Trotters, for trail riding (to ride one is to own one).   

In 2008 Barbara joined Sclar, after realizing how important it was to have the education to save animals in disasters and be there to help others through an emergency.  She is also trained in large animal rescue/extrication that is given through the Felton Fire Department. 

Our board member's generous donation of their leisure time to attend meetings, plan events, coordinate trainings, work with membership and supervise committees is what keeps this group moving forward.   If you would like to contact any of our board members, or have any questions at all, please send us an e-mail, or call us.  info@sclar.org

Members of the public are always welcome to attend our monthly member meetings and most of our training sessions are open to the public.   

Thank you for taking the time to stop by.  Your inquiries are always welcome.

About our founders

Ryn Woll was raised in Massachusetts, and has owned and cared for horses since childhood. She worked with them professionally for many years. Ryn and her husband, Andy Woll, a local attorney, moved to El Dorado County in 1981. Ryn and Andy live on five acres in Somerset with a warmblood mare and her goat, three dogs, several overweight cats and a very confused “wild” turkey.

Aimee (Vukovich) Burkhart grew up Shingle Springs area and has owned horses since childhood. Aimee's love of horses has been lifelong. She and her husband, Tim live in Somerset with four horses, three dogs, two cats and a great many frogs on acreage, which keeps Tim very busy.  

Sclar Beginnings

• April 2004: David Turoff, DVM, while on a call at Ryn's ranch, mentioned the county’s need for localized groups that could evacuate animals in case of disasters, and his desire to start a group like this. Ryn offered to give it a go. Dr. Turoff gave Aimee's telephone number to Ryn.
• Late April 2004: Ryn and the Turoffs attended an Equine Emergency Response Clinic at the University of California at Davis. The Clinic was to have far-reaching effects, not only for Sclar, but also for many other groups looking to use  the information provided in the Clinic.
• Ryn & Aimee went around to local horse owners with flyers for the group and on May 22, they had their first meeting at Pioneer Park in Fair Play.
• Thus began a campaign to get official County recognition.
• June and July 2004: Meetings were held and community action began.
• August 1, 2004: First Practice Run; The Mountain Democrat ran a front page story on it.
• Meetings with Animal Services and CDF in Mt. Aukum brought approval for the program.
• September-November, 2004. Meetings were held; group structure and curriculum were developed.
• November, 2004: First training session held on Fire Safety and Protocol.
• Dark December 2004 through March 2005.
• March 2005: Non-profit status achieved and classes began in earnest.
• May 2005: The author of California Animal Rescue Emergency Services (CARES) manual helped us schedule a meeting with OES.
• June 18, 2005: OES training class and Security Training class were both held and the head of El Dorado County OES swore in 44 people as Registered Disaster Service Workers. The first and largest hurdle had been passed.
• July 9, 2006: Practice Run, which fell for the second year on a time of unseasonably cool weather. This Practice was termed a Dry Run, with its purpose being to have all our vehicle and trailer resources on site in a mock Call Out. The turnout was impressive. As she watched rig after rig pull in, Katie, a board member, exclaimed, "Awesome!" And it was!
• As late summer/early fall begins, the group has finally reached a point where they can expect to be as prepared as possible for an emergency call out. Classes have been well attended. Teams have their trailer kits, personal kits and first aid lists. They have worked hard and hung in when the going was not easy. It's a fine group of people who have dedicated time, money and effort in support of their goal: to be ready to help their El Dorado County evacuate their animals in time of disaster. El Dorado County can be proud of them.

Please see the FAQ section for more about the group.