There were three aspects of Jane’s life that were very precious to her: her family, her friends and her animals………although not necessarily in that order! Jane was a very special woman and we continue to thank her family and friends for supporting the work that was dear to her heart.
Jane had a very well defined sense of what was right, what was wrong and what was appropriate or fair but she was not much for grey areas. Never one to hold back she would stoutly defend these beliefs especially when it came to helping animals. Jane was such an outgoing person that she made friends everywhere, not just acquaintances but good friends that stayed in touch throughout her life.
Many people, if not most, that knew Jane associated her with her love for animals- all creatures great and small. In the beginning she would get a critter because she wanted a dog or cat but over the years that changed into acquiring them because they needed to be rescued as part of a hardship/ humanitarian /compassionate case. Consequently over the years our critter critical mass expanded considerably not so much because she wanted more animals but because some animal needed love, affection and a good home.
The approach was always the same; in fact, I guess it was a routine we went through. She always had a good rationale as to why this particular critter in question had to be saved, usually due to some life threatening situation, Irrespective, I would say no we have enough animals and shortly thereafter the new critter would arrive. I guess it was like I had my say but she had her way. Maybe this is one place where Jane did have a little gray zone or at least she could recognize a weak NO from a strong NO.
So as a result of all my weak NOs we have had all kinds of dinged up birds and turtles, 3 legged critters, critters with one eye, all kinds of animals rescued from bad situations, a horse with club feet and more than one lame duck. The last one was named Lucky. Named not for being lame but for ending up at Jane’s place where she wouldn’t get culled. These animals taught our family a lot about spirit- not a one of them ever gave up, they were all tough as nails, yet displayed an enthusiasm for life, and they certainly were much more feisty than their peers.
When co-workers in the animal rescue network found out about her condition they established a fund in her honor to recognize the enthusiasm, energy and hard work that she had put into this effort –It is called Jane’s Fund. The establishment of Jane’s Funds came very close to the end of her life during a period when she was not very coherence. Our worst fear was that she might never know about her fund and the recognition that it bestowed. It was almost as if she knew we needed to communicate and for one last 5 minute period her mind became clear we were able to tell her. A wide-eyed unmistakable grin came over her face and she said, “cool as a moose.”
Jane was one of the most honest, sincerest and kindest people I have ever met yet at the same time she was frank and blunt and always expressed her opinions. It was this unique blend that made life with Jane so interesting and enjoyable over these last 30 yrs. While in a certain respect the family feels cheated in losing her so soon, we are also very grateful for all the years we did have with her and will always cherish those times.
Without a doubt Jane’s greatest attribute was that she had a wonderful sense of humor and a trademark laugh to match it. That laugh was loud, ….that laugh came from some honest place way down deep, ….....that laugh was contagious, and …….that laugh is greatly missed.
Jane had a very well defined sense of what was right, what was wrong and what was appropriate or fair but she was not much for grey areas. Never one to hold back she would stoutly defend these beliefs especially when it came to helping animals. Jane was such an outgoing person that she made friends everywhere, not just acquaintances but good friends that stayed in touch throughout her life.
Many people, if not most, that knew Jane associated her with her love for animals- all creatures great and small. In the beginning she would get a critter because she wanted a dog or cat but over the years that changed into acquiring them because they needed to be rescued as part of a hardship/ humanitarian /compassionate case. Consequently over the years our critter critical mass expanded considerably not so much because she wanted more animals but because some animal needed love, affection and a good home.
The approach was always the same; in fact, I guess it was a routine we went through. She always had a good rationale as to why this particular critter in question had to be saved, usually due to some life threatening situation, Irrespective, I would say no we have enough animals and shortly thereafter the new critter would arrive. I guess it was like I had my say but she had her way. Maybe this is one place where Jane did have a little gray zone or at least she could recognize a weak NO from a strong NO.
So as a result of all my weak NOs we have had all kinds of dinged up birds and turtles, 3 legged critters, critters with one eye, all kinds of animals rescued from bad situations, a horse with club feet and more than one lame duck. The last one was named Lucky. Named not for being lame but for ending up at Jane’s place where she wouldn’t get culled. These animals taught our family a lot about spirit- not a one of them ever gave up, they were all tough as nails, yet displayed an enthusiasm for life, and they certainly were much more feisty than their peers.
When co-workers in the animal rescue network found out about her condition they established a fund in her honor to recognize the enthusiasm, energy and hard work that she had put into this effort –It is called Jane’s Fund. The establishment of Jane’s Funds came very close to the end of her life during a period when she was not very coherence. Our worst fear was that she might never know about her fund and the recognition that it bestowed. It was almost as if she knew we needed to communicate and for one last 5 minute period her mind became clear we were able to tell her. A wide-eyed unmistakable grin came over her face and she said, “cool as a moose.”
Jane was one of the most honest, sincerest and kindest people I have ever met yet at the same time she was frank and blunt and always expressed her opinions. It was this unique blend that made life with Jane so interesting and enjoyable over these last 30 yrs. While in a certain respect the family feels cheated in losing her so soon, we are also very grateful for all the years we did have with her and will always cherish those times.
Without a doubt Jane’s greatest attribute was that she had a wonderful sense of humor and a trademark laugh to match it. That laugh was loud, ….that laugh came from some honest place way down deep, ….....that laugh was contagious, and …….that laugh is greatly missed.
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Dear Jane,
Zia and I would like to express our Appreciation and Gratitude for your generous monetary donation! Your donation will help Zia to have an eye surgery to correct a birth defect. This condition has been left untreated so long that she risks having further damage to her cornea. Time is of the importance. Hair growth over the scaring on her eye is causing the issue. At this point it is believed that she will not require a skin graft. The sooner she can have this surgery the better. Zia is 3.5 years old and already she has had a very hard, traumatic life. I was told that she was discovered abandoned by her previous owners. She was pregnant. The length of time she had been abandoned is not known. The assumption is that her previous owners left her in the middle of the night. By the time she was discovered her puppies had all died. Zia was then placed in a foster home. Here she had the opportunity to ween young puppies. She was a very nurturing, attentive and loving mother. I adopted her as soon as her last foster puppy had been found a home. Our first few hours together sealed our bond forever. I immediately noticed her eye and knew something was not right. I took her to my vet and then to the specialist to have her properly evaluated. In the meantime, we continue to build our strong bond. Zia continues to be very loving and devoted Service Dog. She loves to learn as many skills as she can. She has learned many basic skills. Such as come, stay, sit, lay. She has learned to bark appropriately and will stop on command. She is even learning to ring a bell when she needs to go out. When I am distressed, she will climb up onto my chest, wrap her front paws around each side of my neck, and lick away the tears or gently lick my neck and chin affectionately. She will continue doing this until she feels I am no longer distressed. I was told that she did not play. Her favorite games to play are tug-o-war and keep away. She absolutely catches the attention of everyone she meets. Every dog is her best friend. I adopted Zia in November to train her to be a service dog for me. My beloved Zoe (previous service dog) of 14 years passed away in June 2020. A Heart Felt Thank You, Zia Mae |
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