southport oakisland animal rescue

In Oct. 2001, I adopted Patrick, an approximately ten-year old, one-eyed, blonde

cocker spaniel who had been in your care for about two years.

I just wanted to let you know that Patrick passed away in late Nov. 2005 after living a very comfortable life filled with love and affection. Patrick succumbed to old age and died peacefully in his sleep in our home after a long battle with declining health. He may have been in your shelter awaiting adoption but in truth it is he who rescued and adopted me. I tried to call you to let you l know but I began to cry and could not get the words out. I miss him very much. I will eternally miss him but am so grateful you all took the time to never give up on him until we were united. He brought such peace and joy into my life because of you at SOAR.

Over the years I have sent many anonymous donations to support your hard work and set up a fund to honor Patrick's life by helping other elderly neglected pets who found themselves in the same situation he was in until you came into his life. Through the years Patrick's allowance helped to save or improve the lives of 15 other dogs and 3 cats whose owner's frankly should have been put in jail.

I have since moved to Oregon without my beloved Patrick and am doing my best to move forward and prepare to adopt another gentle soul with unique needs such as his. I hope to make his foundation an amazing legacy to my gentle, courageous boy who was like a soft teddy bear with a heartbeat. I guess I just wanted you to know he has passed to a better place where his health, eyesight, and hearing have been given back to him yet his life remains immortal through the love he bestowed upon me.

You all do such amazing work and I will never be able express the gratitude I have for your organization. Patrick and I would snuggle up at night I would whisper to him about how much Ms. Friday loved him and was happy for him to finally get a real home. You will always be in my heart as I know you were in Patrick's.

Thank you so very, very much. /signed/ Frances Toy

The following is Jeannine’s (Ms. Friday above) response to Frances’ email to SOAR.

When you adopted Patrick back in 2001, I knew that he had found his best pal and caretaker.

To have lived to be 15 years of age, after his horrid background, only seals in concrete that the above sentence is true.

I remember Patrick so very well and meeting you also. I remember when you left after visiting with us and then you returning and adopting Patrick.

What a wonderful legacy he and you have left us. Thank you.

Keep up the good work and if you ever need any help please feel free to call us anytime - 910-457-6340

Thank you for your kind words Frances and don't forget the words also belong to you and your family.