Nathania Gartman

Friends Remember Nathania

Thank you so much for all the kind words that have been pouring into the sanctuary from across the country and beyond. Here are just a few of them.

In Defense of Animals Staff

May Nathania's strength and determination carry on to fulfill our shared wish for a world full of compassionate animal protectors, caretakers, guardians.

Mary Raynard

It was just over a year ago, May, 2002, that I attended the "How to Start An Animal Sanctuary" seminar, organized and orchestrated by Nathania. I was pretty nervous about coming, having never taken off on my own to do something so important just to me. Several phone calls and emails to Nathania calmed me down. It was in her tone of voice, the implied message that everything was going to be just fine.

When I remember Nathania, I remember her clear eyes, her chuckle and the blue hat she wore every day. I remember her generous gifts of the spirit to all of us - her time, her caring, and her absolutely authentic self. She talked about the programs she did with kids, how she thought they could help, what she saw in the kids when they came into the sanctuary.

Kelley Filson, San Francisco SPCA

My heart is so heavy and sad at such a huge loss. May we all strive to do so much, to care so deeply, and to be so strong.

Jane Deming, Association of Professional Humane Educators

She was bigger than life and more incredible than words could ever describe. It feels like we just lost our best friend, our mother, our soul mate. I guess the good Lord felt he needed her more than we do, although I can't imagine anyone needing her more than us.

Julie Morris at the ASPCA

She was one of the most upbeat cheerful interesting people I've met in this business. She will very much be missed. I was at least happy she died quickly at the end at with her friends/family at Best Friends.

Erin Fell, NMHP, Salt Lake City, Utah

I attended two conferences at Best Friends, and was always inspired by her knowledge and her insight. She will be greatly missed by so many. She was an amazing spirit.

Timy Sullivan, Ohio

I will always remember her devotion to the little dogs and the old dogs. Nathania was a very special lady.

Ed Duvin

It wasn't about ego or recognition for Nathania, but just the sheer joy of working to make compassion contagious--especially among young people.

Ron Trucksess, Vermont

I still remember the conversation that I had with Nathania during the workshop at Best Friends that we attended last month. Nathania and I were discussing the idea of "Fighting Cancer" alternatively and death in general. She has a wonderful spirit and seemed to understand what we are here in this phase of life for. I'm sure that her spirit and energy will be at Best Friends for a long time to come.

Dezi Hemingway, Salt Lake County Animal Services

She helped push the evolution of humane education into the new century and provided a catalyst to carry it into the future. What she did for us (people and pets) here in Utah cannot be measured.

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