May 31,
2006: We are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Shannon
Moore, of Metairie, Louisiana. Shannon was a friend to animals
and people in the Hurricane-afflicted area and beyond. Animal
rescuer, effective activist, pet/owner reuniter, Stealth Volunteer,
beloved friend, Shannon helped and inspired so many: more, obviously,
than she could see. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Shannon's
family and those who loved her. Shannon we miss you so much. We
promise to keep up the good fight in memory of you. Donations:
Shannon's family have requested in lieu of flowers please donate
to Alley Cat Allies. If you should choose to make a donation
please note that it is for Shannon Moore so the money will be
sent to NOLA for spay and neuter programs.Click
here to donate online. |
Shannon Hartwick Moore
July 22, 1969 - May 31, 2006
Shannon Hartwick Moore, passionate advocate for animals and active volunteer for many humane organizations in the New Orleans area, died May 31.
A lifelong resident of New Orleans and Metairie, Shannon was 36. She was a magna cum laude graduate of Loyola University and, at the time of her death, was a partner with Fitzmaurice & Moore Associates CPAs.
Shannon’s volunteer work for animals leaves an imprint that survives her. On behalf of the animals she loved, Shannon formed (SOS) Supporters of Save Our Pets. She was instrumental in rallying grassroots support and awareness for the Louisiana Pet Evacuation Bill so that pet owners would never again be forced to abandon their pets in the event of a disaster. She was a driving force behind the People & Pets March to the State Capitol steps this spring, part of a coordinated non-stop push for passage of the bill.
Although her possessions had been damaged by Katrina, Shannon's response was to focus on saving the lives of hundreds of the thousands of hurricane stranded animals. She immediately volunteered for food/water programs to sustain displaced pets and strays in the streets. Shannon realized most of the animals she helped rescue and comfort had known warm laps, familiar voices and homes before the hurricanes. She became a Stealth Volunteer and spent countless hours in the challenging quest of reuniting missing pets and their grieving owners.
Horses were Shannon’s great love. The fate of large animals in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita impacted her deeply. Unable to stand by as horses starved, she became fiercely involved in saving them. It is difficult to estimate the number of truckloads of hay and the huge quantity of food and supplies she moved for animals struggling to survive in Gulf Coast areas. She created the HayThere group to assist hay producers and consumers via an online marketplace for hay and feed goods. One of Shannon’s great gifts was an innate ability to bring information, people, transports and supplies together. If all else failed, she'd hop into a vehicle and deliver the feed/supplies herself. She was a one-woman information clearinghouse. Any animal rescue group that needed statistics, a news story or contact information counted on Shannon.
She practiced compassion in an unassuming way that never called for recognition or accolades. Shannon was beautiful, graceful, empathetic, kind, determined, impatient, fun, intelligent, tenacious, gracious, shy, honest, loyal and idealistic.
Preceded in death by her beloved dog, Ginson, and her paint mare, Ivy, Shannon is sadly missed by her family.
Shannon is best honored by acts of kindness and compassion and by passionate efforts to improve animal welfare standards in Louisiana. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to: Alley Cat Allies “In Memory of Shannon Moore,” 7920 Norfolk Ave., Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814-2525; http://www.alleycat.org |
