I met Sondra Braid on a ferret board, years ago.  She quickly became one
of this sanctuary`s greatest supporters--and a good friend.We had many
phone conversations, & sent many emails back & forth, during the last few
years.
 
Sondra was currently teaching English as a second language in South
Korea, but we kept touch via email, on a regular basis.
 
I just received an email from Sondra`s sister.  Sondra died on Monday,
Nov. 15th of complications with pneumonia.
 
I am sitting here in a state of shock.  I am so sorry-- My God--I just
can`t believe this...
 
Only MONTHS ago, she & Billy took the 17 hour drive to meet us, & bring
Bear Baby to us.  We had agreed to take Bear Baby, & Casey Angel Cutie
Pie, in the event of Sondra`s death.  She was very concerned about her
health--and wanted her babies to have the perfect forever home, if she
couldn`t be there any more.  She called, on July first or second, with
the bad news that Casey Angel Cutie Pie had died, and that Bear Baby was
grieving so badly he was refusing to eat.  Sondra was beside herself --
and wondered if we would be willing to take Bear Baby a bit sooner than
origionally planned.She knew she was in no position to get another
ferret, but that Bear Baby needed company.It nearly broke her heart to
give him up--but she knew he`d be happy here.  She & Billy arrived with
Bear Baby on July 4th, and I am so lucky I got to meet her in person.She
was only able to stay a few days, as she was job hunting, at the time.
Bear Baby has thrived here, and loves his play group, & running the room.
He is such a sweet boy.
 
Sondra realized the amount of work involved in running a ferret sanctuary
such as ours.  She offered moral support--and comfort, when we suffered
losses.  She donated to help us fund a seperate cooling system just for
the ferrets, in the event of a power loss.  She contributed towards their
new linoleum floor.  A couple years ago, she had a wonderful fundraiser
for us.  When she worked at the prison, she talked the inmates into
crocheting items for a Christmas sale.  She also called our local
newspaper, and they wound up doing a full, front page story about our
sanctuary!
 
Sondra`s enthusiasm for life was amazing.  She spread joy, wherever she
went.  And when she cried, the whole world felt sad.  I can never begin
to tell you the impact she has had on my life, and all the other lives
she touched.
 
Bear Baby has a beautiful new coat,as a result of the lupron shot I gave
him.  I`m so sorry I didn`t get a picture off to Sondra in time for her
to see it.
 
My sympathy to her family--and also to the rest of us, who have suffered
such a loss...
 
Love,
Zoo
www.zoosferretsanctuary.com
[Posted in FML issue 4700]