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Lynne Willoughby - Compassionate Volunteer, Donor, and Friend
On Dec. 16, our community lost a woman who loved animals deeply and worked tirelessly to make their (and our) lives better.
Lynne was the second volunteer Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund was fortunate enough to have. If you’ve ever attended any of our events, you've likely been greeted by her enthusiastic smile and have given her some of your money. Lynne was the raffle ticket-selling queen! She was always ready to pitch in for set up, take down, and anything between. She said she loved to work at events so she could love on lots of dogs.
She also loved being a Faithful Friend (monthly donor). She first signed up in memory of a cat she had done pet-sitting for. She told me, “I can’t afford much, but my part will still help to keep a dog or cat alive. It feels good to know that I’m helping a family to avoid heartbreak. You don’t need to send me thank you notes. I want to thank you for giving me the chance to do this.“ She would often Challenge others to join. This meant so much to Lynne that her family asked that you join FF rather than sending flowers for a memorial.
I first met Lynne 12 years ago when she began staying overnight with my dog, Scout, and my kitties whenever I traveled. She had such a way with them. She was a Godsend with Ellie, the dog for whom the Fund is named. In the beginning, Els was so shy. The first time Lynne came to let her out, she called to say Ellie wouldn’t let her close enough to get her back into the house. The next time she came, I arrived home to find Ellie sleeping on her lap. Thus started a 10-year love affair. Even though Lynne thumped on Ellie’s lungs every day, nebulized antibiotics into her lungs, took her through half an hour of physical therapy exercises…Ellie did it all. For Lynne.
I will miss Lynne terribly, as will Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund. But I take some comfort in visualizing her trip across the Rainbow Bridge. I KNOW she was met by her heart dog, Leiba, my dogs Ellie & Scout, several of my kitties, and the many dogs, cats, and horses she pet-sat for over the years. Lynne, I know your abundant love is now being returned to you. Enjoy your lap always being full.
Your Faithful Friend,
Juli
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