On July 24, RITA FERRER writes:

I visited Annette today. Annette is spirited, witty, knowledgeable and just the very best friend to all, humans and dogs alike. It was so great to talk to her. She's the same Annette whom I love and could always count on. Unfortunately, she's weak and not able to drink or eat hardly anything. She is enjoying the beautiful summer days overlooking the lake with Dozie & Kitty and her Mom. She's enjoying visits from her friends.

We shared stories about our dogs, dogs in Rescue now and dogs that we have known over the past five years. Annette remembers everything! I wish I had her memory! In fact, I think we are all going to be missing that "Annette Data Base" of rescue 'dales and the families who love them.

I showed her pictures of my boyz and foster girl, McMurphy and a couple of other Rescue dogs here in Kalamazoo that she hadn't met. I showed her the picture of Carol Domeracki's Abby walking in Rally's cart. She continues to be interested in all Airedales that cross our paths.

Annette with Miles Nims & Dozie

She gave me advice about my Casey (the felon, who bit me). We talked about different causes of low platelets in one of our foster dogs. Annette continues to be a mentor and a teacher and chief "encourager"!

I brought over the beautiful Tile Leash Holder that Debbie Karley donated to ATRA to raise money in Annette's name which I won. The tile depicts three airedale puppies; as Debbie said, "It would take three Airedale puppies to even begin to represent the energy that Annette brought to Airedale Rescue". Annette loved the leash holder, especially the colors in the tile, and thought it was beautifully made. She hadn't seen that particular tile before so I was pleased that I brought it for her to see. I know that as I use it for my leashes, I'll think of Annette each and every day I look at it.

So that was my perfectly lovely vacation day today. A visit with a great friend and amazing lady whom I will cherish always.

On September 4, 2003, PATTY tells us:

Annette has passed on.

I went to see her a little while ago along with ATRA volunteer Chris Zane. Although she wasn't responding to our being there, she was very peaceful.

We stayed to talk with her Mom & brother and just listened to her soft breathing.

Her Mom just called to let me know that after we left - Annette did also.

Watch for her star in the sky tonight.

EVIE writes: Rejoicing at The Rainbow Bridge

Can you see the grinning fuzzy faces there? The prancing around and the tuckbuttruns? The shining eyes and the wagging tails? Just imagine the joy there!

. . . Annette -- -it's ANNETTE -----it's really HER----!

But here . . . how she'll be missed . . .

HEATHER writes:

It will be the brightest star in the sky. She is now finally at peace. God speed,sweet Annette.

FAYE McLEOD writes:

We will watch for the star in the sky with heavy hearts that she has left us. But what a homecoming she will get from all the others.

From Scotland, CHERRY WELSH writes:

We have a particularly bright, starry night here tonight.

Annette''s star will be the brightest.

Bless her, her family and all the dogs that have been in her loving care.

MARTI TOUCHSTONE writes:

And most of all I picture Rally Hall, whole and healthy, leaping into her arms -- and Sandi Folta running along with him and all the other furry faces to welcome her home. I wonder if there will be a special golden halo, mystically woven out of donated furnishings, forged just for her. I hope so.

God bless all you ATRA volunteers who were such stalwart friends throughout her entire illness, and Godspeed, Annette.

Annette holding Rally's ashes, with Beamer, Andy Nims, Hoover Hall & Dusty O'Shaughnessy at the beginning of Rally's eulogy

DEBBY SPENDOLINI writes:

I was so sorry to hear about Annette, but now she is at peace and not suffering anymore. I will light a candle for her this weekend.

SARA FRANSON writes:

I'm picturing a scene from the musical, C*ts . . . when they are rejoicing and are in awe of the arrival of Old Deuteronomy . . . it brings a smile to my heart and a tear to my eye . . . Farewell Annette . . . .

LORI TAYLOR writes:

I, too, must express my sorrow. One image that I have in my mind that is somewhat comforting is seeing Rally greet Annette as she steps onto the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. I will never forget what she did for Rally. What a courageous woman in life and in death!

JACKIE CASH writes:

Annette's influence ranged far and wide and helped so much for those of us new to Airedale-dom, and especially to Airedale Rescue. She was always there for advice and support.

It's a clear night here in Memphis. I'll step outside with my husband and our pups, Dudley & Hunter, and look for her star shining brighter than any other. But it may be hard to make out her star when all the Airedale stars gather 'round her to accompany her on her journey.

Farewell, Annette. Your love lives on in hundreds of your friends.

FAMILY FLORE writes:

I am saddened to hear the passing of Annette. It is hard to believe that eight months ago I was talking on the phone with her to make arrangements to pick up Marty aka Brodie, a four-month-old male. It was like we had known each other for years. That is how she made me feel. She would have been pleased on how he has turned out. His first birthday next Tuesday the 9th.

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Annette and her Family.

LIBBY KARIER writes:

This says it all, Evie, but oh the heartache on this planet. We only met Annette twice -- at the ATRA auctions -- but every phone call was as if we'd known each other forever.

She had many many gifts to offer this world; we were blessed to know her.

CHUCK RUSK & JAY SEMAC write:

I'm sorry to hear about Annette's passing, but glad to know that she is at peace. She'll be surrounded by many Airedales, all demanding her attention.

From England, ANN CURRAN writes:

I've just read the pages about Annette. She must have been a very special lady . . . it wasn't only the dogs who loved her to bits . . . she clearly has very special friends who made her life richer. I think she would be pleased to see everyone able to comfort one another, and the donations for the quilt are a lovely tribute to her. She was one of a lovely group.

SANDI MANCINI writes:

As I sit and read Annette's memorial page, tears stream down my face. Someone once told me that greiving is a selfish act; nonetheless, she will be truly missed, but is now FREE. Free from pain and suffering. She has joined her beloved *family* in a better place. The tears I shed are for me, knowing the loss all of us share and the smile is for Annette, knowing she is whole once again. doG Bless dear Annette and THANK YOU for ALL you have given us!

CHRIS ZANE sends this information:

Annette's obituary appears in the Monday/Tuesday editions of the Oakland Press and the Detroit Free Press/News:

HALL ANNETTE MAY (VAILLANCOURT)

of Waterford; died September 4, 2003; age 49. Beloved daughter of Louise Vaillancourt, of Waterford. Dear sister of Paul (Pat) Vaillancourt of CO. Loving aunt of Sarah and Sam; Annette leaves many cherished friends in the Airedale Terrier Rescue and Adoption Society throughout the world, especially Patty Eisenbraum, Linda Dziedzic and Chris Zane. Other special friends include Chris Newell, Victoria Crampton, Julie Hutson, Eric Weigand and Lorna Ashley. Annette had worked as a real estate agent locally and in Florida. She was a 1972 graduate of Waterford Mott High School. Memorial Services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2003 at the Grace Lutheran Church, 114 S. Genesee in Pontiac, with Pastor Dan Jones officiating. Family and friends will gather in the hour before the service. Donations may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church or to ATRA - envelopes will be available at the service. Arrangements by HUNTOON FUNERAL HOME, 855 West Huron, Pontiac.

* * * * * * * * * *

There will be a memorial get-together at Patty Eisenbraun's house in Birmingham, Michigan on Saturday, September 20. The exact time has not been determined yet. It will be set up with enough hours so people can come and go when they can.

The Quilt, "Annette's House", will hang at the memorial get-together.

Hoover & Rally Hall

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."

On 29 September 2004, RITA FERRER writes:

This week we heard from Mama Louise (Annette Hall's Mother) that Annette's beloved Hoover has crossed The Rainbow Bridge. Hoover was a wonderful big guy who "talked" all the time. Not barking; just little growly, groany, mumbling kind of comments about everything going on around him. It always made me smile to listen to him.

Adopting Hoover brought Annette to ATRA and to Airedale Rescue. For that reason many, many of us are in debt to him for the wonderful Airedales Annette placed in our homes.

Hoover was very terrified of thunderstorms & fireworks so needed a very special family to care for him. Annette entrusted him to Mike Kaslik & Alison Lang for this last year and a half of his life.

Hoover is missed. He's with Annette< and they are hiking the fields together.

We're lighting a candle and remembering Hoover (and Annette) tonight.

GO TO
MEMORIALS DEDICATED TO MARILYN DOUDT HERE, PAGES 12-15

GO TO
TRULY DEDICATED FRIENDS OF AIREDALES HERE