NOW PLAYING: WATERMARK, Version 2 Enya LINDA CUNNINGHAM: Marilyn emailed me a number of years ago from one of the Airedale lists, as her home town was close to where I was in Michigan, probably about five miles away. As it turned out, I was good friends with her brother & sister-in-law who were active with me in the local humane society; we never knew of the Airedale connection. When she came home to visit in the summer, she would always stop with her Mom at our adoption event to say hello. She would always have tickets for whatever Texas Rescue was raffling off, so I'd see her coming and get out my checkbook! I will miss her visit this summer; she was a very special lady. JUDY DWIGGINS & ANNABELLE: I am greatly saddened to hear about Marilyn's passing. Though we never met in person, I've considered Marilyn Doudt to be a dear friend. I wrote to her the first year we exchanged Howliday Greetings to say her sweet Penny looked so much like my Bonnie, I was certain they must be related. She replied that Penny was a rescue so it was a possibility. We always joked that Bonnie & Penny were cousins. They both were our heart dogs. Marilyn was one of the most kind & caring people I've ever known. I know that Penny & Bonnie are jumping for joy to see Marilyn. I'm sure all the rescue dogs are holding a parade in her honor. She was a great woman with a huge heart & tremendous courage. My condolences go to Don & Maggie Mae. I will miss Marilyn so much. JAN WILES, Oklahoma Airedale Rescue: Oklahoma Airedale Rescue is operating today because of Marilyn's passion for Airedales. The gifts of herself & her knowledge has made it possible to rescue the many Airedales in Oklahoma that needed protection and help. BECKY & BOB BENDER: Marilyn, you are a master artist of Rescue. You are like one of those "special doctors" who has the same medical school training as all the others, but stands apart by developing care into an "art" and delivering it with intuitive brilliance that transcends book knowledge. Your gift was most evident when you matched dogs to families. You always put the needs of your rescued dogs above all else - that was your enduring charm! When you were spending your own money and putting Rescue ahead of your "real life", you would tell your volunteers, "Thank you for all you do for rescue." Marilyn, it's now our turn: "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID FOR RESCUE, FOR THE ADOPTIVE FAMILIES AND FOR THE VOLUNTEERS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE HAD YOU AS A MENTOR." APRIL ROPPOLO: I had the great pleasure of being chosen to take care of Penny, Maggie & Louise. Marilyn met with me for an hour, making sure the babies liked me and trusted me. I'm a police officer; still, Marilyn checked to make sure that I bonded with all the girls. I will miss her so much. Marilyn always made me laugh. Both Marylin & Don are so special and give so much love to the girls. God bless. GLORIA GRIPMAN: Marilyn & I grew up in the small town of Reading, Michigan, attended high school together, and shared a place a few years following graduation. It was during that time that she met Don and the rest is history! We have remained friends throughout our lives . . . a very long & rewarding experience. I always looked forward to her visits to Michigan, most recently at Christmas of 2006. I also was blessed to have flown to Texas and accompanied Marilyn & Don and a few others on the 2005 trip to Sturgis, South Dakota. What a great time! While I picked out a souvenier for my grandchild, she made sure to pick out doggie treats to take home to Maggie Mae. What a passion she had for Airedale rescue; what a passion she had for life! Throughout her battle with cancer, and despite it, we shared many, many laughs and many wonderful memories. I know she is being rewarded in her new journey, but I will miss her very much. I forever cherish my history and my friendship with such a courageous and kind lady. My sympathy to Don, Maggie Mae and the family. EV & LARRY: Marilyn, Peaceful Journey to you; you are now with all your precious furry angels. To Don . . . how can I thank you enough for bringing such a vibrant sister into our lives! She took such loving care of you for 31 years; you in turn took such good & tender care of her. And you both took such tender, and at times, laughing, care of countless Airedales, and of course, beloved Doc. It broke my heart, and yet fired my heart, as I watched you & Marilyn saying your heartfelt "good byes" and "I love yous" over the past few months. You will miss her greatly; we will miss her greatly. Let's remember she is always carried in our hearts. We love you, and thank you again for bringing a vibrant sister into our lives. VILIA WALTER & GALEN & ARIEL: Since first meeting Marilyn when I contacted Rescue to find an Airedale, I marveled at her capacity to be such a passionate advocate for dogs despite her own fight against cancer. Over the years we remained in contact and during the entire time I never heard her complain about her struggle with disease. Her heart was fully engaged in helping abused or abandoned dogs find Forever Homes. She often spoke of Don (whom I've never met) with affection and of course, we all heard of the antics of Miss Maggie Mae! My heart goes out to Don and the rest of the family - I know the last few months have been very hard. I grieve deeply for the loss of a special friend, but I can't help but smile when I envision Marilyn's loving reunion in heaven with all the dogs who knew her! DON DOUDT & MAGGIE MAE: As I read each of the tributes I am astonished at the mix of emotions I was feeling such as: a touch of jealousy and feeling cheated towards those who got to spend time with Marilyn over the years while I was traveling and away from home. I don't know how she did it all; I cannot even come close to following in her footsteps . . . taking care of the house . . . Maggie Mae . . . Louise (or as we affectionately referred to her as Weesie) . . . AND Airedale Rescue. When falling asleep when I was home on weekends, I would hear Marilyn on the computer well after midnight trying to accomplish something. I would ask when she was coming to bed. She would reply, "In a few minutes." The next thing I knew it was morning and she was sound asleep next to me. When I was home during the weekend she would allow me to go out & play. A friend commented, ³Don, she spoiled you.² I have come to realize how much she took care of me and spoiled me at the same time. I don't know how she did it all. To top it all off, Marilyn is continuing to take care of me. Prior to her passing, we had discussed arrangements for Maggie & myself, and how difficult it would be for me to remain in the house, travel & continue to care for Maggie Mae. Unbeknown to me, Marilyn had contacted a friend who is an interior decorator and explained the situation. Marilyn informed me of the conversation and told me that upon her passing one phone call is all it will take. She was constantly looking out for me and SPOILED ME! One of the last conversations I had with Marilyn, she stated she wasn't "tough" anymore. I was stunned, I replied "Don't you ever say that. You are one tough lady and I will never be as tough as you." I feel very fortunate that we were able to spend the last two months together as I miss her dearly. I can see it in Maggie's eyes & emotions, that she has come to accept the fact that Marilyn will no longer be sleeping in bed with us. Maggie & I would like to "Thank" all of your for your thoughts, prayers & tributes. THE REASON I would've died that day if not for you. I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes. I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands. I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted, skin that isn't flea-bitten, good food and enough of it, beds to sleep on, someone to love me, to show me I deserve love just because I exist. Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands Your big heart saved me . . . You saved me from the terror of the pound, Soothing away the memories of my old life. You have taught me what it means to be loved. I have seen you do the same for others like me. I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair Why do you do it? When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter Make just a little more room . . . to save one more like me. I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes In the best way I know how Reminding you why you go on trying. "I am the reason." The animals before me are the reason . . . As are the ones who come after . . . Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given We would die if not for you. Photo supplied by RuthEllen Hill October 2006 Marilyn, Louise, Maggie Mae & Don GO TO TRULY DEDICATED FRIENDS OF AIREDALES, PAGE 16
LINDA CUNNINGHAM:
Marilyn emailed me a number of years ago from one of the Airedale lists, as her home town was close to where I was in Michigan, probably about five miles away. As it turned out, I was good friends with her brother & sister-in-law who were active with me in the local humane society; we never knew of the Airedale connection.
When she came home to visit in the summer, she would always stop with her Mom at our adoption event to say hello. She would always have tickets for whatever Texas Rescue was raffling off, so I'd see her coming and get out my checkbook! I will miss her visit this summer; she was a very special lady.
JUDY DWIGGINS & ANNABELLE:
I am greatly saddened to hear about Marilyn's passing. Though we never met in person, I've considered Marilyn Doudt to be a dear friend. I wrote to her the first year we exchanged Howliday Greetings to say her sweet Penny looked so much like my Bonnie, I was certain they must be related. She replied that Penny was a rescue so it was a possibility. We always joked that Bonnie & Penny were cousins. They both were our heart dogs.
Marilyn was one of the most kind & caring people I've ever known. I know that Penny & Bonnie are jumping for joy to see Marilyn. I'm sure all the rescue dogs are holding a parade in her honor. She was a great woman with a huge heart & tremendous courage. My condolences go to Don & Maggie Mae. I will miss Marilyn so much.
JAN WILES, Oklahoma Airedale Rescue:
Oklahoma Airedale Rescue is operating today because of Marilyn's passion for Airedales. The gifts of herself & her knowledge has made it possible to rescue the many Airedales in Oklahoma that needed protection and help.
BECKY & BOB BENDER:
Marilyn, you are a master artist of Rescue. You are like one of those "special doctors" who has the same medical school training as all the others, but stands apart by developing care into an "art" and delivering it with intuitive brilliance that transcends book knowledge. Your gift was most evident when you matched dogs to families. You always put the needs of your rescued dogs above all else - that was your enduring charm!
When you were spending your own money and putting Rescue ahead of your "real life", you would tell your volunteers, "Thank you for all you do for rescue."
Marilyn, it's now our turn: "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID FOR RESCUE, FOR THE ADOPTIVE FAMILIES AND FOR THE VOLUNTEERS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE HAD YOU AS A MENTOR."
APRIL ROPPOLO:
I had the great pleasure of being chosen to take care of Penny, Maggie & Louise. Marilyn met with me for an hour, making sure the babies liked me and trusted me. I'm a police officer; still, Marilyn checked to make sure that I bonded with all the girls. I will miss her so much. Marilyn always made me laugh. Both Marylin & Don are so special and give so much love to the girls. God bless.
GLORIA GRIPMAN:
Marilyn & I grew up in the small town of Reading, Michigan, attended high school together, and shared a place a few years following graduation. It was during that time that she met Don and the rest is history! We have remained friends throughout our lives . . . a very long & rewarding experience.
I always looked forward to her visits to Michigan, most recently at Christmas of 2006. I also was blessed to have flown to Texas and accompanied Marilyn & Don and a few others on the 2005 trip to Sturgis, South Dakota. What a great time! While I picked out a souvenier for my grandchild, she made sure to pick out doggie treats to take home to Maggie Mae.
What a passion she had for Airedale rescue; what a passion she had for life! Throughout her battle with cancer, and despite it, we shared many, many laughs and many wonderful memories. I know she is being rewarded in her new journey, but I will miss her very much. I forever cherish my history and my friendship with such a courageous and kind lady. My sympathy to Don, Maggie Mae and the family.
EV & LARRY:
Marilyn, Peaceful Journey to you; you are now with all your precious furry angels. To Don . . . how can I thank you enough for bringing such a vibrant sister into our lives! She took such loving care of you for 31 years; you in turn took such good & tender care of her. And you both took such tender, and at times, laughing, care of countless Airedales, and of course, beloved Doc.
It broke my heart, and yet fired my heart, as I watched you & Marilyn saying your heartfelt "good byes" and "I love yous" over the past few months. You will miss her greatly; we will miss her greatly. Let's remember she is always carried in our hearts. We love you, and thank you again for bringing a vibrant sister into our lives.
VILIA WALTER & GALEN & ARIEL:
Since first meeting Marilyn when I contacted Rescue to find an Airedale, I marveled at her capacity to be such a passionate advocate for dogs despite her own fight against cancer. Over the years we remained in contact and during the entire time I never heard her complain about her struggle with disease. Her heart was fully engaged in helping abused or abandoned dogs find Forever Homes.
She often spoke of Don (whom I've never met) with affection and of course, we all heard of the antics of Miss Maggie Mae! My heart goes out to Don and the rest of the family - I know the last few months have been very hard. I grieve deeply for the loss of a special friend, but I can't help but smile when I envision Marilyn's loving reunion in heaven with all the dogs who knew her!
DON DOUDT & MAGGIE MAE:
As I read each of the tributes I am astonished at the mix of emotions I was feeling such as: a touch of jealousy and feeling cheated towards those who got to spend time with Marilyn over the years while I was traveling and away from home.
I don't know how she did it all; I cannot even come close to following in her footsteps . . . taking care of the house . . . Maggie Mae . . . Louise (or as we affectionately referred to her as Weesie) . . . AND Airedale Rescue. When falling asleep when I was home on weekends, I would hear Marilyn on the computer well after midnight trying to accomplish something. I would ask when she was coming to bed. She would reply, "In a few minutes." The next thing I knew it was morning and she was sound asleep next to me.
When I was home during the weekend she would allow me to go out & play. A friend commented, ³Don, she spoiled you.² I have come to realize how much she took care of me and spoiled me at the same time. I don't know how she did it all.
To top it all off, Marilyn is continuing to take care of me. Prior to her passing, we had discussed arrangements for Maggie & myself, and how difficult it would be for me to remain in the house, travel & continue to care for Maggie Mae. Unbeknown to me, Marilyn had contacted a friend who is an interior decorator and explained the situation. Marilyn informed me of the conversation and told me that upon her passing one phone call is all it will take. She was constantly looking out for me and SPOILED ME!
One of the last conversations I had with Marilyn, she stated she wasn't "tough" anymore. I was stunned, I replied "Don't you ever say that. You are one tough lady and I will never be as tough as you."
I feel very fortunate that we were able to spend the last two months together as I miss her dearly. I can see it in Maggie's eyes & emotions, that she has come to accept the fact that Marilyn will no longer be sleeping in bed with us.
Maggie & I would like to "Thank" all of your for your thoughts, prayers & tributes.
THE REASON
I would've died that day if not for you. I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes. I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands. I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted, skin that isn't flea-bitten, good food and enough of it, beds to sleep on, someone to love me, to show me I deserve love just because I exist. Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands Your big heart saved me . . . You saved me from the terror of the pound, Soothing away the memories of my old life. You have taught me what it means to be loved. I have seen you do the same for others like me. I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair Why do you do it? When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter Make just a little more room . . . to save one more like me. I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes In the best way I know how Reminding you why you go on trying. "I am the reason." The animals before me are the reason . . . As are the ones who come after . . . Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given We would die if not for you.
Photo supplied by RuthEllen Hill
October 2006 Marilyn, Louise, Maggie Mae & Don
GO TO TRULY DEDICATED FRIENDS OF AIREDALES, PAGE 16