I have just returned from vacation to discover that those amazingly
unselfish, devoted, and tireless people--The animal heroes--is missing a
key element.  Her name is Karen Yaremkowych.
 
I remember her as a tall lanky gal with straight brown hair in blue jeans.
I remember her pleasant way of talking, interacting: her gentleness.  Her
humor.
 
But what gripped my memory to keep her in my mind despite only seeing her
a dozen times these last 7 years or so is that each time I saw her-she was
caring for and about ferrets.  She would drive for hours to help out the
cause of ferrets: to make money for a shelter.  To support a shelter owner.
To do physical labor.  And she always went home with another ferret from
the shelter.  It would always be one that was old and on medications.
 
Despite running another shelter, being involved in wild life rescues,
taking in injured bats to care for them, a full time job, and working with
the humane society, she took in a variety of other animals that had little
chance of a loving home, and drove hours to help out other shelters.
 
We are ALL affected by the impact these gentle heroes have on society and
in our lives.  I aspire to be more like these wonderful people, and thank
God for their devotion and sacrifice.
 
Karen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the Ferret Den, was killed in a head on
collision.  She was trying to avoid an accident on the expressway that
occurred right in front of her.  She was killed instantly.  Her boyfriends
two children were on life support.  The young boy has just been taken
off-but serious physical results are most likely.  The young girl is still
critical.
 
The ferrets and other animals are being cared for by close friends.  But
there are still Dumbo and Fancy rats in need of a home.  If you can take in
any of the rats to love as your own-please call Mary of FAIR at
630-968-8142.
 
If you remember this blessed woman Karen and would like her grief stricken
boyfriend to know you remember how special she was--you can reach him at
6709 W.  Burleigh.  Milwaukee Wisconsin.  53210.  His name is Chuck Witt.
 
He must have been something to have loved Karen.  This meant helping to
care for a myriad of sick animals, understanding and accepting Karen's
passion, responsiblities:barely ever seeing Karen because of all of her
obligations.  And realizing Karen would never be just his--but shared with
many others-animal and human.  I have never met him, but imagine that notes
from those who saw the woman that he loved for the miracle of life that she
was would be much appreciated.
 
This is a very sad day for me Karen Yaremkowych
I only met briefly with you a dozen times in my life
Yet hope and believe that I will remember you always:
Dear person
My animal hero.
 
Lisette
[Posted in FML issue 3108]