CLAIRE PAYNE [Southern States Airedale Rescue] writes:

I was lucky enough to meet Sandi & Lee and their wonderful dogs at Marti & John's on that beautiful October day. To see the dogs running up the hill together, to listen to Sandi laugh as she told another story - it was wonder-full, especially to be among so many Airedales: Motley, Jasper, Piper & Puff, and the people who love them all.

I always love Marti's stories about What Happened and How Things Happened That Way. During the commotion of The Very Large RV Trying To Back Down a Very Mountainous Driveway, I kept thinking of how Marti was going to describe this to the group. Darn, Sandi thought of that, too, and said, "I don't want to read about this on the Internet!" Marti still won't tell you cause she believes Sandi can really get her now.

And Sandi's laughing so hard cause she's got Marti on High Alert for Airedale Antics. And I can smile as I look at the pictures in Sandi's memory book of that day at Marti's, at all the AstroDales & Motley running around with Marti & John's Airedales & Westies, the Temporary Six-Pack with the Twigster.

I needed a good cry after the terrible events of today [1 February 2003], the loss of Columbia, and the grief I've kept inside over Sandi. Reading Sandi's words about how our dogs comfort us when we weep over them as they hurt and get closer to The Rainbow Bridge helped me let go.

Thank you, Sandi, for saying just the right things. And for reminding me to go kiss the precious little noses with the ginger fur, with that little soft spot that always mesmerizes me - right before the big head comes up and beans me again. After all these years, I'll never learn not to put my head over an Airedale's - I just can't resist. Thank you, Sandi, for all the Rescue work and love and encouragement. We're all in this together, and I'm so grateful.

Our love and prayers and Zen for Lee & the AstroDales & Motley.

Claire, Mr. Bear, Sleigh Belle, & Mica Pica

From Nevada, DEBBIE KANE writes:

Why do I feel such pain and loss for someone I never met? How did a mere list-pal manage to wrap herself around my heart from such a distance? Maybe it's the magical spell our Airedales cast, transforming us all into one, big, black & tan family. My thoughts are with Lee and all the rest of my black & tan brothers and sisters, who are grieving tonight.

Debbie Kane & Harriet

SHAUNA BROPHY writes:

I can't believe the impact Sandi's death has made in all our lives and the vast majority of us never even got a chance to meet her. I say that is quite an impact she left on us in death so I can only imagine what type of impact she left in life; it had to be huge. I wish I had gotten to know her only briefly but I guess that will just have to wait. All my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends who are left behind. We will miss you, Sandi.

Shauna Brophy, Bella & Egan

From Australia, PAULINE KITCHING writes:

Although I didn't know Sandi and it is only recently that I have felt as if I did know her from reading all the lovely stories and well wishes she received from the many friends she obviously had in the dog and Airedale world.

The rescue and Airedales in need have lost a very devoted and wonderful champion, who has done so much great work in her life for the good of canines. The achievements in one's life, I was once told, are counted by those friendships ones makes in life and the esteem those friends and acquaintances hold of that person. Sandi life was very rich since she has exceeded in both these measurements of life's success. It is sad the world has now lost such a person.

From Texas, BECKY PRESTON writes:

Sandi Folta was my best friend. I met her through Airedale Rescue, as I have met many wonderful people and dogs. Sandi & Lee had contacted me in Ft. Worth about getting an Airedale. They wanted to add one more to their household. I must admit that I wasn't keen on them as an adoptive family, Sandi & Lee both worked, they had a small yard, they had an Airedale (Bingley) that might be aggressive to a newcomer. But I had a special needs rescue, and they were willing to take her.

We met at Sam's Restaurant, halfway between Ft. Worth and Houston. I pulled in to see a large man walking an Airedale and a little blonde woman with another. We had lunch, and by the end of the first half hour, we knew we were friends for life!!!

Over the years Lee & Sandi adopted two Airedales through me and when they lost the first girl to cancer, I offered them one of my girls who needed more attention then I could give her at that time. Sandi acted like I had offered her the Crown Jewels, not realizing that I considered her the jewel.

Sandi & Lee supported me through all my ups and downs, with advice and laughter. I'll never forget Sandi offering to "go kick the butt" of someone who had been unkind to me, and she really would have too!!!

The last time I spoke to Sandi was in the hospital five days after her surgery. She was very tired, and couldn't talk. We communicated through notes written on a small pad of paper I had. I was brushing her hair up out of the way and suggested putting it in pigtails. She smacked me with her hand for even suggesting it.

The last notes that I have were about the dogs and how my kennel building was coming. No whining, no complaints about her own condition. To the very end, Sandi cared about others. I'm going to miss her.

From Oklahoma, CAROL WALKER writes:

I'm afraid that today I'm in the grip of the Blues. I think of Sandi when I look into Connor's big, loving, and joyful eyes. She first contacted me with a request to post Connor's article on the website. Did she have any idea how many Airedale hearts and their people's she would touch? I doubt it. The scope of it would be overwhelming.

Her death has left a huge hole that no one can fill and in this day and age of diminishing morality, and compassion, fewer and fewer will step up to the plate to try. She didn't give empty promises. She worked tirelessly for a cause that some would consider a waste of time. She was self-effacing and quick to give credit to others. She certainly wouldn't be receiving any keys to the city, an article on the society page or an invitation to the governor's mansion but did rescue because it was right and honorable. Such self-sacrifice and belief in duty is a rare thing.

She was one of the good ones and in light of the loss of the Columbia, the impending war, and 9-11, I can't help but feel that we're losing our brightest, best, and hope for the future. My thoughts go out to her fellow TARTS for having to soldier on without her. They are incredible people.

Since I felt driven to attempt to mark her death in a respectful way, I wondered, "What would she do?" I was sure of only one thing and that she would want to spend quality time with her dogs. So, after more prayers and tears this morning, I brushed all my kids out. I kissed them all on the top of their heads, giving them cuddles.

When I grabbed their three-way coupler, Connor started his excited woofing, reminding me again of how blessed I am to have him. We took a long walk in the cool air with a beautiful, blue, sunny sky overhead. When we got to the forest, off-lead they went, their sleigh bells ringing. Connor never goes very far though. I always have to be in his sight. We played like we haven't in months.

Now, back at home, everyone is asleep: Schubert with his heavy, loud snoring; Connor who twitches, runs, and woofs in his sleep; and grumbly Trevor. I hope she would approve.

Carol, Trevor, Schubert & Connor

From Scotland, CHERRY WELSH writes:

"Airedales are truly heaven-sent" is a line from a funny little poem written by Sandi Folta, which, if you haven't already seen it, is HERE.

At first, the shock of losing Sandi from our midst was such that I found it impossible to read anything she'd written, even the funny stuff, and smile. Her sense of humour wins through, however, and it is consolation to be reminded of the witty things she wrote, in her inimitable style, her unique personality and of course, her love, understanding and championing of TFAOTP.

Bless you, Sandi - you too were heaven-sent.

You will be very much missed.

Cherry, Ruaridh & Rosie

RAINBOW BRIDGE FOR RESCUERS

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often.

He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge.

With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newer arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.

"You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

"Watch, and see.", said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"

"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge."

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TRULY DEDICATED FRIENDS OF AIREDALES, PAGE 6