Here's part of Mary. Mary minus her upper half is all that I have from years and years of photos showing her sharing time with West Valley Shelter dogs. Mary, Betty & Bubba August 2016. It's fortunate that others saved some of Paula Hsien's sweet photos.
Mary appeared in countless photos with countless dogs. She became a familiar face to me, comforting, snuggling, talking to them, looking them in the eye, soothing, she was their connection to kindness. Shelter kennels are noisy, smelly, scarey, panic-filled so time in the yard with Mary was a way to stay sane, feel love again. A pat, a kiss, a 'good boy', a rub of the nose or having their head held - touch that meant everything.
| The part of Mary that can’t be pictured by anyone is the heart part. A heart full of kindness and understanding. She gave her time, 10+ years of volunteering, to do what few can or are willing to do, set foot in a shelter to help dogs. To share being with someone. For some, the last tender moments they would know, fleeting and rare. |
| I read some place that she took the bus to the shelter. Who does that? A pure heart with a mission to comfort, that’s who. Mary’s gentle soul succumbed to cancer recently. My heart is full of gratitude for a hidden angel amongst us. R.I.P. dear Mary. |
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