Pulled from the Gulf: Help Earl & His Dog, Gunn, Start Over

Help Earl Start Over After Hurricane Helene

On September 25, 2024, my brother, Earl (64), and his loyal golden retriever, Gunn (10), faced a life-altering challenge. After his 30+ year relationship ended, Earl was left with little but his lifelong dream of living on a sailboat. Determined to make it happen, he spent months traveling the heartland, camping under the stars, and tracking the perfect boat. Against all odds, he managed to buy it—overloaded credit card and all—and set sail for Florida to start a new chapter.

For a year, life on the water brought peace, purpose, and healing. But then came Hurricane Helene.

Earl set out to navigate away from the storm, heading 100 miles south from Sanibel Island to wait it out in a protected inlet. However, disaster struck: 50 miles into his journey, the motor failed, and his boat began taking on water after the bilge pump blew. Despite his best efforts, hand-pumping water from the hold, Helene’s fury pushed the sailboat northwest.

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued Earl 25 miles west of Sanibel Island, but his beloved sailboat and everything on board now rest at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico.

Earl has lost everything. With no funds and his dream shattered, rebuilding from this tragedy feels impossible without help. We are reaching out to friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers to help Earl start over. Your support will help him find his footing again and reignite his dream of living on the water. Every bit counts, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing his story.

Thank you for helping Earl and Gunn get back on their feet—and back to the sea where they belong.

Introducing Shirley Barcome and Her Mission to Help Earl Rebuild

My name is Shirley Barcome, and I’m from Grand Forks, ND. I’m reaching out to you today on behalf of my brother, Earl, who recently lost his home—a 36ft sailboat that he and his beloved golden retriever, Gunn, had been living on for over a year along the Florida coastline.

Earl’s sailboat was more than just a home. It was the culmination of a lifelong dream, offering him solace and purpose after a difficult chapter in his life. But in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, everything he cherished was lost to the Gulf of Mexico.

The funds we’re raising through our GoFundMe page will go directly to Earl to help him rebuild his life and regain his footing after this devastating loss. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping Earl start over and reignite the dream that gave him so much hope.

Thank you so much for your support, for caring, and for helping Earl find his way forward.