STEPHANIE OSTROSKY writes:

So much sadness in the world today. I don't even know what to say. Someone else had said that they cried during yoga last night and now they know why. I cried last night too for no good reason; could that be why? I think I only met Sandi once but to think of one of our own . . . it is just a shame and truly sad.

Stephanie, Luis & Kirby in Houston

ROBERTA SPARR writes:

I give my friend an Airedale salute, but not her LAST AAAARRRRRROOOOOooooo! because Sandi will be AAAARRRROOOoooooing in our hearts for years to come.

AAAARRRRRRRROOOOooooo!Goo-ber is there to lead you.

Marti writes: This isn't much of a picture but it gives me comfort to see the top of Sandi's bright blond head so I'm including it. That's Twig, our foster 'dale, in between us, Jasper & Motley in the foreground and three Airedales in the background.

LIBBY KARIER writes:

I didn't know Sandi, except through this list. But anyone who put her whole heart into her family and rescue work will be deeply missed. Our prayers and condolences to her family and friends.

JOEY WARREN writes:

Losing Sandi feels like the last straw on an already heaping mound of sorrow. I did not know Sandi personally; that is to say, I never met her face to face. And at the same time, I knew her very well. She had a generous and kind spirit, a wonderfully wicked sense of humor and a huge heart filled with love and compassion that ironically was not strong enough to sustain her.

It is that same heart that failed her that will continue to encompass and encircle all of us and with each act of kindness we commit to, we honor her and every kind act she ever did. We all grieve, each of us in our own way, no one way better than the other, for her and her family. Mostly though, I think we grieve for ourselves; that we are deprived of the physical presence of such a caring and giving person. It's a hard notion to wrap our collective minds around but everything she did and gave to all of us and to our beloved Airedales is still here and so, in effect, is she.

joey, jules, jordie & junie boonie

DIANE THOMSON writes:

I just want to say that although I never met Sandi in person, she was very supportive and helpful when Suzie (my SP) was diagnosed with lymphoma. She was so caring and understanding, I can't tell you how much that meant to me. I only wish I could return the same to her and her family. Her family (four- and two-footed) are in our thoughts and prayers.

Diane, Suzie & Reggie (ADT)

Marti writes: Sandi framed this picture and sent it to me for Christmas - it's one she loved. From left we have, I think, Bingley, Pixi, Twig-with-the-Tail, Alice, Cha, Motley, Jasper & Peach. You'll note the Westies were smart enough to steer clear of a food distribution to six Airedales and two other big guys.

GILLIAN WISDOM writes:

I too, never had the good fortune to meet Sandi. I wish I had, she sounds like she was a very special lady who will be terribly missed by all who knew her (and a lot who did not). Just think of the welcome she'll have up there. I have this vision of BIGNOSEPOKES and HAPPYDANCES all round. She'll be smiling down on us all now. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sandi's family and friends.

Gillian, Gina (jaws) & Annie (wannabe a mum dale)

BARB OIMAS writes:

I did not know this wonderful lady but from "The List". She gave and did so much for our Airedales.

We never know how much time we will have on this earth. Our lives are not measured by the time we spend here but by the things we do and the people we have touched. I would say that Sandi had a very full life in a very short amount of time. So with a very heavy heart I say "Good-bye and God's Speed". Lee, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

FAYE MacLEOD writes:

It is hard to say Good Bye. How do you put it in words? I find I am unable to. I can only send my condolences to her family and the fur kids.

Faye & Kodiak, Cheyenne

Marti writes: This is Motley, the honorary Astrodale. He's a darling Kerry Blue or Kerry Blue cross.

DEBBIE JONES writes:

Though I never got to meet Sandi, nor really got to know her personally, she did write me nice e-mails encouraging me when I started to help with some rescues here in WY. She wrote about how all dogs, Airedale or not, are important and that we all can make a difference, and what a good feeling it is to help needy dogs. It is a real loss to the dog lovers and dogs when someone like Sandi leaves us. I send my condolences to her family and her fur kids.

Deb, Sophie & Pearl, WY

JEAN-PIERRE PENHOAT writes:

It's not always necessary to meet someone in person to feel the impact of their actions. We never had the pleasure of meeting Sandi but know that her work for Rescue and friends was such that she will receive a most joyous reception at the Rainbow Bridge, while leaving a great void behind her.

Our condolences to Sandi's family, 2- and 4-footed.

Gun & Jean-Pierre Penhoat & Ursula & Paddington & Lambert (c*t)

DEBBIE KARLEY writes:

My heart cries lonely tears wondering how we will manage without Sandi.

While I never had the honor of meeting Sandi in face-to-face, that never stopped our e-mails and long-distance friendship. When I think of Sandi, what comes to mind is her enormous generosity, quick, dry wit and non-stop dedication to Airedales around the world. How we could exchange laughter via a keypad and a mouse!

I feel blessed to have known Sandi for the short time I did, though her warmth and endless caring to the Airedale community-at-large, will remain a part of all of us, forever.

Kiwi & Koshare Karley

CHRISTINE SHEFFER writes:

Dear Friends,

I have sat several times to share my feelings, my thoughts, my grief - but words fail me and tears well within my eyes.

This list and technology have made friends of strangers. Indeed the world has become a smaller place. All of us here knew Sandi in one way or another. Some, like myself, through letters and messages and others in person -but her touch on us all was very real.

Our combined friendship is a tribute to Sandi. May we continue the good works that she so embraced as a way to honor her.

Christine, Tim, Bristol & CeCe

MELANIE FINDLAY writes:

I have never met Sandi in person. But she is like a sister - you all from this list have become family and mean more to me than words can ever express. I am so saddened by this news.

I went to bed last night with word that things were bad. I prayed and prayed for God's will for Sandi and Lee and their furbabies. I cried as I fell asleep because Pita was not on my tummy looking up at me with her beautiful green eyes. I had horrible nightmares all night, and first thing this a.m., I got online to see if there was any news, then I had to go to work.

Now I feel like I've been cheated out of Sandi's friendship by death. I am angry and my emotions are screaming "It's not fair." It's just not fair.

I wish I could say something comforting and philosophical about her going to a better place and all that, about being still here with us but on a different plane, but I can't right now. I am grief-stricken.

God's will is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient. I would never say He was wrong. But it's so unfair. To me, right now. WE needed her here. He needs her there. My loves at the RB are greeting her, and my Mom and Dad who loved Airedales and all Airedale people, are welcoming her and celebrating.

I'm not celebrating today. I miss them all. Star, OZ, Summer, Pita, my Mom and Dad, too much grief for now. Too much loss. Each loss brings a flood of sadness for all the previous losses.

Damn. Dammit.

Sorry for the swear words. I am not expressing myself very appropriately at the moment.

How can someone one has never met have such a huge impact? Because she loved Airedales, and we are all Airedales, and she loved us.

PLEASE, please, everyone, be kind to yourselves and take care of yourselves and each other.

What a sad, sad time.

Mel & the Gang

Marti writes: This is Sandi's beloved Bingley, age 12. Sandi was so worried about the day she'd lose her; it's so hard to believe Bingley is the one left behind and grieving.

From New Mexico, DOROTHY DUNN writes:

Sandi has contributed so much to Texas Airedale Rescue it is hard to know where to begin. I recall meeting Sandi for the first time at a rescue meeting in Houston at a time rescue volunteers were trying to find a way to coordinate efforts for this enormous state. She brought to rescue her wonderful organizational skills as well as dedication to saving Airedale lives. She will be missed.

Dorothy, Will and their furry friends in New Mexico, Madie, Audrey & Toby

LINDA DOERING writes:

I never met Sandi, but I wish I had. Maybe the Universe needed Sandi's help over The Rainbow Bridge. Her loss to us makes me cry. But the thought of her playing and laughing and petting with all of our Airedales in that land of no physical pain over The Bridge makes me feel better. Someday, we'll all get to meet there.

Let us all continue her good work.

Linda, Judy, Fozzie Bear & Lucy

(Photograph courtesy Cannie Robbins)

ELIZABETH NORDYKE MOORE [North Texas Airedale Rescue] writes:

Where to begin in a situation like this one . . . I remember when I first jumped into Airedale rescue several years ago, and there were so many times I was clueless about a situation, or just needed another opinion about something; I knew I could always count on an e-mail from Sandi with words of wisdom and encouragement. She was one of the most compassionate people I ever knew. While I know that she will be missed terribly, I also know she is at the Rainbow Bridge greeting all the furkids whose lives she touched and made a difference in. Rescue has suffered a terrible loss, but we were all blessed to have known and worked with Sandi.

Our prayers go out to Sandi and Lee's family.

Elizabeth & Philip, Daisy, Belle, Grover, Abby, & Edgar

DEBI BERG writes:

I had only just met Sandi on the group site when I joined just a short time ago. No words can express the sadness that I share with all of you. All your caring words show how great a person Sandi was.

From Texas, KATHY PATTERSON writes:

My husband, Keith, and I met Sandi face-to-face twice. She and I have e-mailed back and forth many times. She was such a delightful lady. Every time I think of Sandi, I feel so bad; I can just imagine the pain that those who were closer to her must be feeling now.

I remember Sandi and I talking about her trip to Montgomery. She was so excited. I am so glad that she did get to go in October. I know that Lee will have fond memories of that time also.

Our condolence to Lee and family. I wish there was some way that we could make her fur kids understand where their mama went and why she isn't coming back. I will give my our fur kids an extra hug in memory of Sandi.

I have tears in my eyes thinking about this wonderful person. She will truly be missed.

Kathy & Keith Patterson, Jasper & Ruby Darlin'

MARY LOU DEWAR writes:

Our hearts are saddened today by the tragic news of Sandi. I find that it is beyond words to express the compassion of this wonderful group of Airedale people. The fact that we can share and grieve together for Sandi speaks so much for the united character of us all. I'm sure that there is another bright star in the heavens tonight, as someone so aptly put it.

Love and prayers to her family and to all who make this list possible.

Mary Lou & Cash

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