July 29, 2015

Farewell Claudia...

Sorry, this isn't going to be one of my lighter posts.  I'll be back to my regularly scheduled "happy" tomorrow.




Being in rescue, a certain part of me is ready to lose an animal that we took in to Little Paws Dachshund Rescue and just wasn't strong enough to recover.  It's sad.  I cry.  I mourn...but I recognize that it's an "occupational" hazard.

This weekend I lost a foster mom.  My heart is broken.  Claudia came to LPDR by accident.  She fostered my friend Fabre's little girl Papi, and we just absorbed her into the organization.  I came to love her broken English (she was originally from Germany), the endless pictures of her dogs, and especially her fearlessness when it came for fighting for animal rights in her North Georgia community.

Claudia's story isn't mine to tell, but she changed her life dramatically when she came to the United States.  I think that championing the rights of animals and ultimately welcoming over a thousand animals into her home (some just overnight, some for longer fostering stints) is what kept her going through a number of ailments.  Claudia's heart just couldn't keep up anymore and after being on life support for three days, her loved ones were guided by doctors to let her go.  Her loss to the rescue community is palpable.

Today I ask you to hugs your dogs (or kids) tight.  Consider doing something for others - whether it's making a donation to a rescue, buying the person in back of you in line their cup of coffee, or just making someone smile.  These small things help honor Claudia's memory.

As for me... I could really use a hug.  And a LOT of chocolate.

Photobucket

10 comments:

  1. Claudia sounds like an amazing human being with a kind and generous heart. Her work and spirit will live on in your rescue organization. I'm sure there will be many grateful and loving furry friends waiting for her at the bridge. Sending you much love and support across the miles.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Awe we are so sorry to hear about your friend :( Big hugs and licky kisses from our family to yours!

    xoxo, Ginger, Matilda and Matt (and Mommy)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Aw, I'm sorry.

    I hope you're able to get some chocolate.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a wonderful person...and we are so very sorry for your loss.
    Sending hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so sorry. :( What a wonderful person!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, I'm so sorry sweetheart. She sounds amazing. Sending love, thoughts and prayers your way.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am so sorry and I understand how you feel. Ziggy sends lots of hugs

    Anne and Ziggy

    ReplyDelete

I LOVE comments! Tell me what you're thinking. :-)

 
Blog Design by Creative Girl Media