I've Lost A Dear Friend

Last night, I posted a notice about the Treachery story PDF file being available and asked you to consider making a donation to Don't Bully My Breed.
http://www.livejournal.com/editjournal.bml?journal=aviv_b&itemid=113434

About an hour after I posted this, I received some very sad news. Catherine, the shelter founder, and a breast cancer survivor, lost her battle against the disease. A month ago we were LOL emailing about Teddy's big dental drama and exchanging book recommendations. Everything was 'fine.' I asked her about this fund raising idea when I put up the poll on July 30th and received her OK for it. A week ago I received an email that she wasn't doing too well. I dithered around about posting the pdf/donation entry and then last night decided to go ahead.

An hour goes by - Here's the email I received last night:

Today, we regret to inform you of the death of Catherine Hedges, the founder of Dont Bully My Breed Inc, on August 10, 2011.  As many of you, know Catherine had suffered from cancer for many years. Her passing was unexpected, as Catherine's fighting spirit had beaten it back many times.  Although we had felt that the current treatment was working, her health had taken a recent and sudden turn for the worse. She passed away peacefully with me at her side, holding her hand.

Throughout her disease, Catherine continued to help all who asked for advice as well as providing spay/neuter for those in need, plus fought against breed-specific legislation nation-wide, educated the public about Pit Bulls, and much much else.  It is Catherine's wishes that Dont Bully My Breed continue on as always.  We will continue on the mission that Catherine started so many years ago. Catherine had taken a backseat in the last year to train new volunteers and to work more with me on continuing the work she started.  Many of you know me as Catherine's boyfriend, Curt.  Myself and all of the wonderful volunteers will continue to work to save the bullies and other animals as usual...

We are asking for in-kind and monetary donations in lieu of flowers and cards.  If you would like to make a donation in memory of Catherine, please do so at 

www.dontbullymybreed.org/donation.php

 or contact us at dontbullymybreed@aol.com

Please remember Catherine as the wonderful person she was and all the animals she will meet at the Rainbow Bridge.

 Thank you for all your support at this difficult time,

Curt and all the volunteers

 

I'm sitting here crying at work as I type this. She was an amazing person and I will miss her greatly. It was always, always about the animals for her. The cat with the huge tumor that was dumped by the side of the road, the dogs that were heartworm positive; she never said no. She was so young and accomplished so much in her way too short life. I take comfort knowing that her work will continue through Curt and the volunteers.

And my promise stands. I will match all donations made in the month of August that DBMB receives with a "Treachery" designation. So if you donate via paypal please put this in the 'special instructions' box, if by check then in the memo line of the check.

Rest in peace, my dear friend.