Remembering Kerry McBrearty, a Caring Siberian Husky and Rescue Advocate, OG "Team Buddy" Member & Friend to Many
Our connections to friends in the pet world is huge thanks to social media. And some of us have been lucky enough to forge some wonderful friendships over the miles and years, even decades, with some pretty amazing, caring folks. When we learn of a loss of one of our beloved pets, this "family of friends" steps up to grieve with us, support us, and console with us. When someone welcomes a new dog to the family, we all cheer. When a homeless husky is in need, this family of friends steps up and shares the post in the hopes of helping rescues find a forever home for the waiting dog.
Then, suddenly, we lose a member from this special group, and we all feel it.
One week ago, this close-knit Siberian Husky commumity lost one such friend—Kerry McBrearty, a Husky hu-mom to three of her own and a rescue advocate, was one of those special, kind and thoughtful folks. Her passing is a shock to me. From what I understand, she fell ill and her passing on January 2nd, was sudden and her loss is felt by so many in the dog-loving world. Her obituary says she was surrounded by her family, for which I know gave her great comfort and peace, as did her heavenly reunion with her beloved Siberian Huskies "Nanuk," "Tasha," and "Kody."
Kerry was truly a kind soul. If there was a homeless Husky, or a Husky in need, Kerry stepped up to help. She was one of the original members of "Team Buddy" - the amazing group of caring folks across the globe who helped Buddy, the Christmas Husky find his way to his forever foster momma, Shari "Mama Shay" Baillargeon, also a longtime foster for MUSH Rescue in Atlanta, Georgie. (You can read Buddy's story HERE).
That's how I met Kerry, through Buddy and Shari. While I did not know Kerry as well as others, I did get to work with her on an auction, learn of her overly kind heart, and considered her a friend.
After learning of Kerry's passing online, I chatted with Shari, who was heartbroken and tearfully recalled their last conversation right before Christmas. “When I last spoke with Kerry, she said she was doing well, but had a cold. When I received the news that she had left us to be with her precious pups, I was in disbelief and stunned,” says Shari.
“We take those we love for granted sometimes and believe they will always be here for us," continued Shari. "Kerry has always been there for me since she became a part of Team Buddy, and not only helped with our Buddy, the Christmas Husky, but countless others. Regardless of if we needed fundraising help, auctions organized and held, phone calls made, or just a shoulder to cry on, Kerry was always there for us. She was always one of the first to volunteer to help with anything I needed. Her heart was larger than the physical distance separating our homes. My last words to Kerry were ‘I love you,’ which helps soften the loss a small amount. I will always love Kerry like family and miss her until we are all together again.”
For me, I remember working with Kerry on an auction. It was back in November 2014. I hosted my very first #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Auction. It was a huge undertaking, and while I knew I wanted to hold this auction to benefit Epi-dogs and Canine Epilepsy research, I was not sure how to go about it. I was thrilled with the number of donations that came in, but as I looked around my crowded living room, I pondered how in the world was I going to keep all of the happy chaos organized?
Enter Miss Kerry McBrearty.
Kerry, at the time, had the AFA - Auction For Animals Facebook page, where she did just that, held various auctions to benefit animals in need. She reached out and volunteered to help! I have to say, without Kerry, I don't think there would have been an auction. While I collected donated items to auction off, Kerry kept track of all the postings, bidding, and finances in a precise spreadsheet. When I packed up everything to ship to the winners, it was Kerry who kept track of the bids and payments, and contacted folks. We worked beautifully together as though we had been for years. But that was all Kerry. She was amazing. And why did she do it? Because she wanted to help. She believed in the Canine Epilepsy awareness, and was truly a godsend in order for it to be a success, which it was! We raised enough funds to donate $1,277 each to The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy and the Epil-K9 Foundation (through "Emma's Fund' at the North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine's Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab).
Thank you, Kerry, from the bottom of my heart. I sure hope I expressed my gratitude to you.
After the auction, we remained friends from afar, checking in with each other from time-to-time on social media. As life goes, we all get immersed in our own lives, and as the years roll on, people sometimes fall out of touch, or not stay in touch as much as we wished we had. But isn't that life? Sad, but true. Over the years, Kerry and I had periodically chatted about doing another auction, but life took us on different paths. We'd check in with each other from time-to-time, but reflecting back now, I wish it was more often. Isn't hindsight always 20-20? But in the silence, Kerry was always there, a forever steadfast loving member of Team Buddy, living her life as we all lived ours, forever bonded to her dog world friends.
Rest in peace, Kerry. I know your beautiful beloved Nanuk, Tasha, and Kody were there to greet you at the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge, and will forever escort you on your heavenly journey.
✨
To read Kerry's obituary, please go HERE. In true Kerry fashion, in lieu of flowers, please send a donations in her name to your local SPCA.
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