I'm not sure where this belongs on TCS, but I feel compelled to write it.
Yesterday I found out that someone who has been a longtime inspiration to me has passed after a long battle with various serious health issues. The reason I am posting about her here is that she has been a lifelong animal lover and for approximately four decades, headed a very special sanctuary for big and little cats and other animals.
Some of you may know of Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary in Caledonia, MS. Hopefully some of you have contributed to help this wonderful refuge which is home to many abused, unwanted and otherwise at-risk lions, tigers, bobcats, domestic cats, and other animals. And if you have, you undoubtedly know of the remarkable courage, spirit and devotion its founder, C. Kay McElroy, has exhibited over these many years.
Kay has been a lifetime inspiration to me, operating the sanctuary on a sometimes uncertain budget, enduring through many tragedies, and for some time, living with health problems that would fell many a strong man. She had both of her kidneys removed and had to spend many hours undergoing medical treatment to survive that. She broke her hip and was determined, after months in a wheelchair, to walk again. Finally, she obtained hospice care, and early on the morning of January 3 of this year, went peacefully in her sleep to join what must be a squadron of devoted and beloved friends of many species at the Rainbow Bridge. She often said that animals were the true loves of her life, and she was an eloquent and determined defender of and advocate for animals all her life.
As one of the bravest, strongest and most committed people I have ever known, Kay will always be in my heart, soul, and memory. I know she will have touched the heart of everyone who has had the privilege to know her. She made sure that Cedarhill will go on into the future, and I encourage anyone reading this to consider helping them in this. Unlike many other sanctuaries, Cedarhill does not give the public access via tours, believing that the animals living there have more than earned the right not to be exploited in any way. They exist through donations from those who, like Kay, believe that animals have intrinsic value and that those who live at the sanctuary deserve to live their lives with the best possible care.
Thank you.
Yesterday I found out that someone who has been a longtime inspiration to me has passed after a long battle with various serious health issues. The reason I am posting about her here is that she has been a lifelong animal lover and for approximately four decades, headed a very special sanctuary for big and little cats and other animals.
Some of you may know of Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary in Caledonia, MS. Hopefully some of you have contributed to help this wonderful refuge which is home to many abused, unwanted and otherwise at-risk lions, tigers, bobcats, domestic cats, and other animals. And if you have, you undoubtedly know of the remarkable courage, spirit and devotion its founder, C. Kay McElroy, has exhibited over these many years.
Kay has been a lifetime inspiration to me, operating the sanctuary on a sometimes uncertain budget, enduring through many tragedies, and for some time, living with health problems that would fell many a strong man. She had both of her kidneys removed and had to spend many hours undergoing medical treatment to survive that. She broke her hip and was determined, after months in a wheelchair, to walk again. Finally, she obtained hospice care, and early on the morning of January 3 of this year, went peacefully in her sleep to join what must be a squadron of devoted and beloved friends of many species at the Rainbow Bridge. She often said that animals were the true loves of her life, and she was an eloquent and determined defender of and advocate for animals all her life.
As one of the bravest, strongest and most committed people I have ever known, Kay will always be in my heart, soul, and memory. I know she will have touched the heart of everyone who has had the privilege to know her. She made sure that Cedarhill will go on into the future, and I encourage anyone reading this to consider helping them in this. Unlike many other sanctuaries, Cedarhill does not give the public access via tours, believing that the animals living there have more than earned the right not to be exploited in any way. They exist through donations from those who, like Kay, believe that animals have intrinsic value and that those who live at the sanctuary deserve to live their lives with the best possible care.
Thank you.
