A Sad Goodbye

[MaineLady]

A SAD GOODBYE
To a Rescuer With a Huge Heart


I last saw her mid-May and had no idea it would be the last time. Another rescuer and I drove a dog to her house that was too difficult to place in most homes. Mary Sanderson, a long-time GSRNE member and supporter, also ran her own rescue. She'd take in the dogs that had real issues, often had already bitten a time or two or lacked socialization, and turn them around. She was a huge help to me, as I work with GSRNE's intake decisions, and it was nice to have someone to help with dogs that we couldn't take in.

One such dog was Achilles. He'd been running wild in CT for many months, and the ACO was planning on tranquillizing the dog. She had been told she needed to have the dog put to sleep immediately, so reached out to us. We had no place for the dog so called Mary who agreed to help.

Then there were Conrad and Luke, Parker's litter mates. The three were dubbed "The Basement Boys," because they were pulled out of a hoarder's dark basement. We took Parker, and I once again called Mary for help. The latest dog I drove to her house was Weaver. He would pull loose on walks at the local shelter and attack other dogs. Once he arrived at Mary's and heard her huge pack of house dogs, he decided he needed to toe the line and behave!

Mary took many dogs from this forum. I hope someone can find the links to the dogs so we can all share in her accomplishments. One that really sticks in my mind is a picture of a male chained out and standing in mud...with no way to get out of it. It broke my heart and I was so happy when Mary took him.

Mary had just started the Forever Home Foundation shortly before she passed away. Though I miss her already, her stories of her beloved Forever Home pack of crazy dogs make me smile. Take a few minutes and read their stories and you'll understand where Mary's heart belonged. I'm sure the dogs at the bridge that everyone else was afraid of, now have a angel to help them cross. She was one-of-a-kind.

Goodbye for now.... you're sadly missed,
Chris Harriman, GSRNE Board and Intake Coordinator

[shilohsmom]

Very sad. I'm so sorry for her loss. It sounds like the world has lost a very special person.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Oh man I am soooo sorry to hear this! What a loss to her family and her pack and the dogs that needed her.

[kshort]

Oh no... I am so very sorry to hear this. Mary was wonderful and used to take dogs from this board. As you said, the most difficult -- the ones who had no chance.

Quote:One that really sticks in my mind is a picture of a male chained out and standing in mud...with no way to get out of it. It broke my heart and I was so happy when Mary took him.

Chris, I remember exactly which dog this was. I had his picture saved in my computer for a long time. His name is on the tip of my tongue, but just can't quite remember as it's been several years.

A big loss to the world and a huge loss for the dogs... My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Mary, I know you are in very good company. I'm absolutely positive that there were a lot of loving faces that greeted you. Rest well - you have left a great legacy...

[oregongsdr111]

May she be greeted by those that have left us.

[Myamom]

I remember Mary...always stepping up for the difficult ones. Mary, we thank you for that...the dogs thank you. What a terrible loss for us...but a beautiful addition up above...yes, i'm sure there were many happy faces greeting you.

[Daisy1986]

Although I did not know her, this is an amazing story.

Wonderful tribute. If we could all be as brave and inspiring as she was, this world would be a much better place.

[Annikas Mom]

Originally Posted By: Daisy1986Although I did not know her, this is an amazing story.

Wonderful tribute. If we could all be as brave and inspiring as she was, this world would be a much better place.

My sentiments exactly!

[RebelGSD]

OMG I cannot believe this, her board name was bigdogpile, I believe. Mary was so strong and full of energy. I talked to her several times. She was my kind of person. She never talked about it, but I believe she won the lottery and used the money to buy a farm and help lost-case dogs. She had a barn with wonderful kennels and staff and trainers helping her care for the dogs. An amazing person with a huge heart, especially for the dogs. She was an inspiration to all of us.

I cannot believe she is gone, I knew she had some health issues but had no idea that it was this serious.

Mary, we will miss you and we will never forget you. Wherever you are, I don't believe you will be resting, you will be the one taking charge for the right cause and for those whom everyone else has abanodned. So godspeed Mary.

The dog in the mud was from Ohio. Then there was King, I believe,
he was a 10yo bite case when Mary took him in. He lived out his life with Mary and I enjoyed reading about his adventures.

Mary's arrival will be a very special day at the Bridge. Many Bridge critters will be happy to be reunited with her. I can hardly imagine a better loved person at the Bridge.

Does anyone know what is happening with her dogs?

[SunCzarina]

I didn't know Mary but it sounds like the rescue world lost a valuable lady. RIP Mary.