Tribute written by Donna’s husband Joe:

Shy of one month we were married 51 years.  Donna’s passion was cooking. She and her family were involved in the restaurant business most of their lives.  Donna’s mother was a chef, so Donna learned from the best.

We loved having friends and family for dinners and get togethers, especially around the holidays.  These were all day affairs with family, friends, and anyone who wanted to join in.

Throughout our married life, we always had dogs, cats, and horses.  Donna’s mom bought her a Miniature Schnauzer named Peppermint Patty.  We also had our son’s Dalmatian, Alex—these two were quite the pair!  Shortly after we lost Alex, we realized the house was too quiet, and we didn’t want to buy a dog.  We were looking for a dog that needed us—needed a home. 

Our neighbor said a friend of hers had a dog that had wandered onto their property.  They didn’t want to keep this pup and were going to send him to the SPCA. Donna and I went to meet this little stray and BINGO – we had a dog—TOBY.  He was a super great mutt!  We had Toby 13 years.  We couldn’t have rescued a better dog.  The day came that we all dread and again the house was quiet.  We started searching for another dog to rescue.  Our neighbor suggested we check with another neighbor who owned a kennel and who had some pups that hadn’t sold and needed a good home.  We met two Scotties—one wheat and one black.  Donna and I took the shyest who seemed to need us the most and Haven to Home took the wheat colored one and found him a good home.

Our Scottie was so afraid of everything so I called him Spook.  Donna said “no way” and she named him Bentley.  My friends laugh when I tell them that I have a Caddy, a Jaguar, and now a Bentley. 

Bentley was very close to Donna and he is obviously missing her – at first he seemed to be waiting for her to come home, like he did when she was gone for short periods.  I think he is beginning to realize that she is never coming home.  Now it’s just the two of us. 

We want to thank everyone who donated to Haven to Home – a wonderful cause.  If you are looking for a pet, please call the good people who donate their time to find homes for these animals. 

Thank you and God Bless,

Joe Schrader and Family

 

Donated in Loving Memory of Donna

The Anselmo Family:
Jerri, Lynn & Joe
Vince & Michelle
Aaron & Shelly
Matt & Krstin
Mark & Erin


Neighbors:
Linda & Steve Hafer
Kate & Jared Hafer
Beverly &Jim Renn
Birgit & Mike Dugan
Cheryl & Jim Wintersteen
The Bassett Family
Joan & Alan Todd


Other Friends:
Anna Hummel
Judy & John Kohl
Linda Eister
Mary Hackenberg
Connie & Russel Martin
Stephen Dogle