Our wonderful volunteer, Anne "Annie" Stuhr died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 16, 2007, of a pulmonary embolism while recovering from pneumonia. She was only 59.

All of us at Thundering Paws -- cats, dogs, bunnies, and humans, will miss her greatly.

Eulogy for Annie Stuhr

Our wonderful volunteer, Anne "Annie" Stuhr died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 16, 2007, of a pulmonary embolism while recovering from pneumonia. She was only 59.

She was born in Washington, D.C. on May 9, 1948 and, with her husband, William "Bill" Stuhr, she lived all over the world. She was influenced by her time in Japan and was ever after enamored of things Japanese.

Annie held a Masters degree in school administration, a career from which she was retired. That was the only thing from which she was retired!

She married the love of her life, Bill. He survives her, along with numerous "fur" children. Their 35 year marriage was a inspiration of love and respect.

She was a master craftsperson, creating teddy bears dressed in anything from school colors to cowboy outfits. She also made quilts and jewelry, which she sold at craft shows that she organized and invited others to join. All of her craft work was flawless.

Annie had more energy and could produce more work than anyone half her age, twice her size, and twice as healthy. She was tireless and trying to get her to sit down. eat, or even drink water was a useless endeavor. She had her fingers in a dozen pies, and she would make you one, too, if you asked! She cared for the Stuhr home, their animals, and, for that matter, anyone's animals.

She was a volunteer at Thundering Paws Animal Sanctuary for the last five years of her life, doing morning chores every day, Monday through Friday. She would always transport an animal to the vet, go on the TV spot, or come to the sanctuary five times a day to nurse the sick. If you wanted to see her smile, you could always hand her a kitten.

Annie was opinionated and you were never in doubt of where she stood on any issue. She was fiercely loyal, honest, and ethical. She loved country music, and could be spotted often on the move, radio blaring, in her black pickup, along the back roads near Dripping Springs. She had a host of friends, who were proud to be among her chosen. She was a good woman, who would go out of her way any time to help someone in need. She gave generously of herself in every way.

Her last illness was the result of smoking, which she stopped seven years before she died. In her last week—when we had no idea that she would not recover--the message she asked me to give people was this: STOP SMOKING NOW! If you need help in this endeavor, please contact the American Cancer Society. They will help you.

A memorial service will be held at Harrell Funeral Chapel on the corner of Hwy. 290 and RR 12 in Dripping Springs at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2008. After the service, there will be a cook-out at the Saddletree clubhouse, about 7 miles north of Dripping Springs on Ranch Road 12, on the west side of the road. Look for the flagpole with an American flag flying. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Thundering Paws Animal Sanctuary or a charity of your choice.

Max, all stretched out for an afternoon nap

It's getting hot here in central Texas, and the cat run cats don't mind a bit. Even though they have access through a cat door to an air-conditioned room, most of them prefer basking in the heat out in the screen room. There are sunny spots and shady spots, lots of high places to nap, and ramps to move from one level to another, as well as plentiful food and fresh water.

Many of the cat run cats are not adoptable because of their feral nature or behavior problems, but they enjoy life out on the run at Thundering Paws.