Death of My Dog Rescuer Friend

[Die Fledermaus]

She founded and ran this labrador retriever rescue group:

www.lilrr.org/

As I've mentioned, two friends of mine died in June. Now it is three. I just received this e-mail.

>> After fighting a long, courageous battle with cancer, our friend and mentor Sandee Nastasi has crossed the bridge. Hundreds of tails were wagging as she approached, some known to her, others not (the Lab network is extensive!).

They all knew they had a home with their forever friend Sandee who, with her heart and her very soul, had provided a sanctuary for so many abandoned, abused and neglected Labs. We are joyful that Sandee is with her 'furr' friends, who we are sure, are welcoming her with their wet kisses as they surround and embrace her with their love.

We all, both dogs and their humans, will miss her terribly, but she has meant so much to so many that her legacy will continue.

Her funeral will be private, but in the early fall we hope to have a
memorial for both humans and dogs to attend. We will let you know when and where it will be held.

doG bless,

Long Island Labrador Retriever Rescue <<



The story of Charlie and Mary is on this board: here and in other threads also

I worked a lot with Sandee to get Charlie to her and then after the accident we rescued Charlie and I worked some more checking out potential adopters. That was just one example.

RIP, Sandee.

[pinky]

May she rest in peace, and may she be remembered fondly for all that she did for animals.

[Hamsters82]

Rest in peace Sandee. That was well said Robin, I concur.

[Die Fledermaus]

I have a photo of her dogs somewhere which I will find and post later.

I asked her once how she could part with so many Labs she took in often for months. She said, "Because each one that goes to a new good home means wnother life I can save by bringing the Lab in".

- - - -

I remember once how shocked, and grateful, she was when I checked on a potential adopter for Charlie (see above story) and found out the woman, living alone, had one arm, no legs, had a motorized wheelchair, and needed an oxygen tank and tubes!

[Die Fledermaus]

BTW, the story of "Mary's Charlie" is still up on their site above. www.lilrr.org/ Just scroll down on the right side.

- - - - - - - - - -

LINK HERE

That is the story--with many charming pictures--of Charlie with his forever family in Pot Jefferson, Long Island. So sweet to see!

01/07/06 update from new 'Mom'... <<< Dear LILRR, I am writing to thank you for my beautiful Charlie, that you brought to me on Dec 5th. We have always had dogs, and in 2005, we had to put down our two wonderful Golden Retrievers. Our girl Courtney was part of our family for 14 years and our boy Boomer was a male Golden that we rescued 4 years ago; he developed a tumor shortly after Courtney passed away - we lost both dogs within 10 weeks. Our hearts were broken and our home was so empty. My wonderful daughter who works in an animal hospital contacted LILRR in the beginning of December. LILRR got back to her and told her about a male Lab named Charlie who was 7 years old and had tragically lost his owner in a fatal accident. I saw Charlie's picture and his beautiful face and knew I wanted to adopt him. On Dec 5th, the LILRR adoption coordinator brought him to me and my husband. I loved him the minute I saw him. Charlie has been the most wonderful loving and beautiful dog anyone can ask for. The happiness he has brought us is unbelievable. He never leaves my side, and the past week he is starting to bond with my husband. Charlie and my husband Nick take their special half hour walk every night. Each time I leave the house I can't wait to come back home because he is waiting for me, and the welcome I receive is priceless. I can never thank LILRR enough for bringing us this precious gift. LILRR has wonderful and giving people and their rescued Labs are very lucky and blessed. Thank you again LILRR. - Marianne W. >>>

Rescuing animals is so worthwhile when I read that.

Eureka! Found it!

This is a photo of Sandee's couch! Charlie is up front. All the Labs are, in due course, moving to other homes.

[hamgermourat]

1. That's really sad, I'm so sorry.
2. Doesn't this belong in memorial?

[Die Fledermaus]

The Memorial forum is generally for pets, but I will move it and leave a link here.