Sandy Nelson
June 11, 1956 -- July 28,
2012
A hero is an individual
who consistently and continually sacrifices their own needs in the interest of
others.
In 32 years as a Humane
Society employee and, eventually, Executive Director, Sandy touched many in
this community. Many community members remember Sandy for bringing the happiness
and companionship of a pet into their lives. She gave hope and a voice to
countless homeless, abandoned, and sick animals. She was a true life saver.
When Sandy passed away in
2012, she left unfinished work at HSSV. Before she died, she was in the midst
of planning for the cat wing addition that she’d dreamed of for our new
building. After shepherding the Shelter through its early days in a converted
horse barn and seeing it through the move to our improved facility, Sandy left
the cat wing as perhaps one of her only unfinished goals in life. It is up to
us to carry out her vision, and we continue to work to make her dream a
reality. Fundraising for this memorial expansion continues today, and donations are gratefully accepted.
Sandy was an animal lover
from day one. As a young child, she was constantly bringing home injured or
homeless animals and offering them care. Helping animals was Sandy’s passion,
and in her early 20s she took a job cleaning kennels at the Humane Society of
Skagit Valley. Her eagerness, altruism, perseverance, and determination help Sandy
prove herself as an employee. Her love of animals molded her career, and she
rose to the position of Humane Society Executive Director.
Words cannot convey how much Sandy meant to everyone. She was truly an
inspiration to all. Sandy always gave selflessly to all people who had the
honor and pleasure of knowing her and to all the animals. She was a magnificent
and incredible person through and through. She is, and will always be, missed
by so many.
