In her college years, Jeannessa would often call me excitedly: “Mom, I made a new friend…!” And I would ask, “Hmm…is it a dog…?” At least half the time, she would dryly respond, “Yes- it’s a dog.” The other half of the time, of course, she’d keep the excitement and say “this time it’s a real human!” It became one of our numerous jokes. Since her life was viciously cut short, and the pictures and stories pour in, it’s clear she had many, many friends of both the four-legged and two-legged varieties. Starting in high school with her volunteer work at 13th Street Cat Rescue, finding her passion for training dogs at Bite Club starting in college, and later her career in veterinary medicine, she played a role in rescuing countless animals, most famously Humphrey, the senior American Bully she adopted from Pets in Need, who never left her side for the three years they were together. It’s comforting to know he was waiting for her in heaven.

For better or worse, her energy overtook a room and her light shined bright for many to see. She may no longer be with us in this realm, but her light remains, showing us the way to care for her furry friends in need. May her memory be a blessing that saves animals for years to come.