07/16/2022
We lost a very special person today. Ann Vanderlaan, the treasurer of DBMR, passed peacefully with her family near her. Thank you, Ann, for being such a treasure to DBMR
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Today, on July 15 at 4:32 p.m., my mom Ann Vanderlaan passed beyond us and left to join her ThunderTail companions across the Rainbow Bridge. Her cancer proved to be too much and took her too fast. I do not know how long she was feeling ill, for she was proudly independent and chose not to share this battle. It was only when a friend visited and insisted she go to the hospital did the gravity of the situation become apparent.
A little over a month later, we are here, grieving at her passing. A predicted remaining 6 months had suddenly evaporated to just two weeks as she declined, and we rapidly moved her to a hospice close to us. Last night, I read by her bedside from one of the books on which she collaborated. She seemed to positively react to the introduction of the K9 character Hawk. The nurse told us we should expect 72-120 hours and to prepare ourselves. Eighteen hours later, we received a call that she had passed peacefully. Although I feel cheated, at least I did not miss the chance to tell her how much I loved her and how proud I was of her and her books.
Mom loved her dogs and opened her doors to those who were hard to adopt. Old, deaf, black, brown, grey or white, she provided a safe home for those she could adopt. She helped scores more through her efforts at the local rescues in Austin, Round Rock TX and Murphy NC. She leaves behind Fiona the last surviving ThunderTail. I remember walking her for a couple of hours during one of her rescue meetings and telling mom she'd make a great addition to her ThunderTail family. It's only fitting that my wife Shelly Vanderlaan and I now bring Fiona into our family and provide a loving home for her, as mom worried about her fur babies.
In accordance with my mom's wishes, we did not broadcast her condition. For those few of you who were aware, thank you for all your words of support. I read and described in detail all the flowers, pictures, messages and cards you sent. Also per her request, we are not holding a memorial. She wished that your thoughts and any contributions be directed to your favorite cause along with a personal remembrance of your time with her.
She will be sorely missed.
Her loving son,
Paul Vanderlaan
