If you are reading this blog for the first time, it's best to start this blog from the beginning by clicking here. At the bottom of each post you can navigate forward (newer posts) and backwards (older posts) in time.

The WAO story is made up of several blogs.  To truly have an understanding as to what transpired at the WAO, you will want to start this blog from the beginning by clicking here.

Enjoy!

In Memory of Sabu

For the Love of Money--The Truth Comes Out!

Well, well, the cat is out of the bag, so to speak.  If you've been reading this blog from the beginning, then you already know that many sanctuaries are "in it" for the money.   It's all about the money.   All that tax-free money.  All those public contributions.  What is a crooked animal sanctuary director to do, but spend the money!


http://thelibertarianrepublic.com/executive-director-gfas-most-get-into-animal-welfare-because-they-love-money/

Executive Director of GFAS: “Most Get into Animal Welfare Because They Love Money”

Executive Director of GFAS Admits to Love of Money as Motive

By Aya Katz

In a rare moment of candor, Kellie Heckman, the Executive Director of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) admitted that the motivation of most animal welfare advocates is the love of money. The admission occurred at the USDA/APHIS “Lions, Tigers and Bears Symposium” held July 8 – 9, 2014. It is only only on August 20, 201, however, when this video was released showing the unedited footage from the conference, side by side by the edited version released by GFAS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiPW0g0FUXo
GFAS Executive Director Kellie Heckman admitting motive for animal welfare is the love of money
Here is exactly what Ms. Heckman said: You know, most of us came into the animal welfare business, you know, for one reason: It’s because we love money.” When she realized what she had said, Ms. Heckman was a little flustered and people in the crowd could be heard saying “wow!” Later, when the video of Ms. Heckman’s talk was posted online, her statement about the love of money was edited out.

GFAS is a nonprofit organization founded in 1993. It is based in Tzaneen, South Africa, so arguably it is not even an American charity. However, this organization has taken on itself the accreditation of all animal sanctuaries, and it has direct ties with the USDA’s arm for animal and plant health inspection, APHIS.  This governmental entity in the United States has the power to make or break any business or organization dealing in animals, whether these animals are used for agriculture, as research subjects or for any other purpose.

Over the past quarter century, breeders of domesticated animals, such as dogs, horses, elephants and chimpanzees have come under increased pressure to stop their operations. Restrictions on the sale, breeding and displaying of such animals have been put into place. As businesses such as pet shops, circuses and carriage rides have been forced to shut down, countless nonprofits have sprung up to open shelters and sanctuaries to house the displaced animals . In order to do well financially, sanctuaries must seek accreditation with GFAS. There are even seminars explaining how to do so, like the one at which Ms. Heckman was a speaker. All of this is a very lucrative business and tax free.  People who are looking to adopt a dog or a cat are encouraged not to buy them from pet stores or breeders, but to look for them at a not-for-profit shelter, where they pay “adoption fees” instead of a purchase price. People who want to see other more exotic animals are encouraged to make tax free donations to sanctuaries. In this way, the connection between humans and other animals is transferred entirely into the nonprofit sector.

There are big winners and big losers in the animal welfare business. It is refreshing to finally be able to learn from the horse’s mouth that all this is being done for the love of money.

And then there is this... OMG!  This video popped up after the GFAS Executive Director Kellie Heckman admitting motive for animal welfare is the love of money video concluded.

New World of Animal Rights - The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWQQDvEz-Y0

and they have a Facebook page too!

Looks like an old video and Facebook page that didn't get much traction.  Interesting concept... just a wee bit creepy for me tho....in any case, it looks like they have gone away.

I Just Found this Facebook Posting -- Thank You Global Wildlife Warriors!

Global Wildlife Warriors

July 13, 2013 · 

As you may recall, the Wild Animal Orphanage closed its doors in 2010 and many of its animals were rehomed. All but one sanctuary received a large amount of money to care for the animals—the only one who was awarded money from the WAO trust was Born Free in the amount of $500k because they took in the last of the WAO macaques.

Sadly, many of the animals that were relocated throughout the US died within two years of their rehoming from various diseases, including cancer, all attributed from their time spent at the WAO. None of these sanctuaries received a dime from the WAO trust or any other animal rescue organization.

When a concerned former WAO member learned Canine Distemper swept through a Texas exotic cat sanctuary, where a favorite lion of hers currently resides, she immediately contacted @International Fund for Animal Welfare for help.

Some back history:

In 2006, IFAW failed to respond to a whistleblower’s complaint to IFAW that the WAO misappropriated donated public funds and failed to provide even the most animal care (such as food, water, shelter, health care) to its animals. Instead, IFAW chose to take the side of the corrupt board of directors and essentially made fun of the whistleblower’s complaints. In 2012, the USDA substantiated the whistleblower’s allegations, but not before over 80 animals died during the course of their investigation (USDA, TCEQ, Texas OAG).

IFAW “loaned” about $60k to the WAO for food and basic health care treatments until all the animals were eventually rehomed in 2012.

Fast Forward:

The former whistleblower contacted IFAW this month to see if they could help the In-Sync Exotics with their canine distemper outbreak. It seemed reasonable, that the $60k loaned to the WAO could be granted to In-Sync Exotics so they would be able to pay off current and future medical bills (about $50K)

An email from IFAW’s Animal Rescue Manager stated IFAW was “ in ongoing communications with InSync Exotics regarding the outbreak. Between the two organizations, we are in the process of determining how best to assist.” This “good news” was posted on In-Sync’s webpage. To everyone’s chagrin, it turns IFAW did not contact In-Sync Exotics, but the sanctuary is hopeful that they will call very soon.

This type of playing “fast and loose” with the lives of In-Sync Exotics big cats is deplorable and should be condemned. IFAW failed the WAO animals in 2006 – let’s encourage IFAW to do right by the In-Sync Exotics cats affected by canine distemper.

In-Sync Exoctics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center
https://www.facebook.com/insyncexotics?ref=ts&fref=ts

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
https://www.facebook.com/ifaw?ref=ts&fref=ts

A Simple Adieu

Well, this is it!  Finally!  Believe it or not, this final posting has been in the making since January 2006; and now that the end of the WAO case is finally upon me, I have so much to reflect and ponder upon.  

There are still a lot of questions that were never answered such as "why didn't the Texas OAG/Charitable Trust Division prosecute the WAO board of directors when there was overwhelming proof of misappropriate of funds" and "why didn't the USDA/APHIS prosecute the WAO board of directors when there was overwhelming proof that the WAO violated the Animal Welfare Act numerous times?"  I am frequently asked these questions and all I can say is that there was no justice for the WAO animals that died because of apathy and greed.

I am haunted by so many WAO animal faces--I see them everywhere and I still tear up when I talk about the amazing animals that lived at the WAO. I don't think my heart will ever be completely healed until I see them again in Heaven someday.  I've been assured by my Heavenly Father that I will see them again.  Only then will my heart will be completely restored.  For you see, God knows how much I love the WAO animals and how much they mean to me. The Bible doesn't directly address whether animals will be with us in Heaven, but I do know that God loves us and wants us to be happy. The Bible says, “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11, NKJV). I  can trust God that Heaven will be a place filled with everything necessary for my happiness--and that includes the WAO animals and my pets that passed away!

I want to thank all the wonderful people who helped me with this case!  I cannot thank each and every person enough for their contributions over the last eight years:

Thank you to all who wrote and called the Texas OAG and USDA in support of the WAO animals;

Thank you to all who went on undercover tours at the WAO, documenting the life and loss of so many WAO animals--especially the lady who traveled all the way from New York;

Thank you to the gentlman who put me in touch with several key people who helped me with the WAO case;  

Thank you to lady who helped save the CU monkeys from coming to San Antonio and who gave me encouragement to carry on -- my fellow animal warrior!

Thank you to the people who wrote to the WAO to obtain valuable information needed as part of the WAO investigation; 

Thank you to all who gave me wonderful advice on how to proceed in this case;

Thank you to all who listened to my cause and gave me the encouragement to continue on;

Special thank you's to Fatima M., WOAI (Maritza Nunez Salazar), KSAT-12 (Shari St. Clair), San Antonio Current (Enrique Lopetegui), and KONO 101.1 radio--all were an amazing group of people who helped me get the WAO story out to the public; 

Thank you to the folks who sent me WAO newsletters so I could track the false statements made by the WAO board of directors to the general public--your help from CA, CO, and TX was very instrumental! 

 A huge thank you to Laurie R. and Jan M. who went above and beyond the call to help me and the WAO animals--you ladies were fantastic;

I want to thank all who provided me intel on the inner workings of the WAO at great cost to either their employment, health and personal safety--you made a difference; 

Thank you so much to my NC friend, Sue B., who stayed in contact with me until the end of the case (and beyond) and was willing to listen to me almost every day of the week for many years!  I just want you to know that your friendship means the world to me!

I give thanks to those people who are no longer with me to see the end of this case.  I will always hold a special place in my heart for Linda, Jeanette, and RG; 

Thank you Zuzana for posting the WAO story on your website.  Thanks to your website, a lot of animals were SAVED from being shipped to the overcrowded WAO. We were also able to inform folks on what was happening at the WAO--something no one else was willing to do.  Because of you, LIVES were SAVED.  

(http://www.rexano.org/WAO.htm).  Thank you!

I also want to thank In-Sync Exotics for taking in Sabu, giving him a loving home when no one else would.

And a huge thanks to K-Love radio and its supporters.  Without all the inspirational songs and words spoken at the right time when I needed encouragement the most, I don't know if I could have gotten through the "fire" without you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I also want to thank all the local law enforcement and government workers who provided me valuable insight and information regarding the WAO case.  I learned so much from each and every person who took the time to educate me on how to prepare statements, conduct investigations, and most importantly, conduct research into the WAO.  I spent hours and hours and hours of research and thankfully I had some really great guides who pointed me in the right direction.  These amazing folks wanted to see justice for the WAO animals and were just as disappointed as I that the Texas OAG and USDA failed to protect donors and animals alike. I still cannot believe the Texas OAG agreed to close the WAO case without prosecuting the criminals in exchange for the WAO's closure.  All that money, gone.  All those lives, lost.  And the criminals got away, scott-free. 

On this Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks to the Lord that many of the WAO animals have a second chance at happiness.  I pray several times a week for the WAO animals, on Earth, and in Heaven, that they are happy,  healthy, and strong.  While I still check for story updates former WAO animals on Facebook, I find that I spend less and less time doing so and spending my time enjoying life again.

I plan on releasing this blog very soon; between now and then I plan on rereading the blog and perhaps clean it up a bit.  While I am concerned that this blog will upset a lot of people, I hope that it will serve as a guide for those individuals who are facing a similar situation on what to do and not to do.  If you wondered what happens behind the scenes at a wild animal sanctuary, well here ya go--this blog will give you this type of information...and then some.

Anyhoo, as I look back at this case, I've come to realize I only have three regrets.  Many years ago, a person who was instrumental in the beginning of the WAO case gave me a bottle of wine.  I was suppose to toast a happy ending for the WAO case whenever that took place.  Sadly, I never got to enjoy the wine because my foster dogs knocked it off the shelf, shattering it into hundreds of little pieces on my tile floor.  My point in sharing this with you is this; if you are waiting for a special occasion to enjoy a certain bottle of wine, open it today!  For you see, the special occasion may never come. 

My other two regrets are personal and are between me and the Lord.

Other tips I learned from the WAO case include:

• Never rely on the government to do the right thing;
• Learn to forgive those who will tell lies and half truths to the public and government regarding your personal character and actions;
• Don't take "no" sitting down;
• Never stop believing in miracles--know that God has a plan and it it may not be the one you are praying for;
• Measure good deeds not by words, but by actions; 
• Accept the things you can change, and let go of the rest;
• Network, network, network -- you don't have to connect with animal groups, just with like-minded people willing to seek justice for the animals; and
• When the case is over, move on with your life.

Here's my final tip for individuals that may be facing a similar situation that I went through for the last eight years => if you are on the fence and you don't know whether or not you should go forward with an investigation for fear of what may happen to you or the animals, all I can say is go with your heart.  If the good Lord is nudging you in a certain direction, you really should get off the fence, do the right thing, and save the animals--for if not you--then who?  

Well, enough said for now--it's time to move on with my life.  If I learn additional WAO information in the future, I will be sure to post it to the blog.  I consider this blog a work in progress, and I have a feeling that it will never truly end...

So until later, I bid you a simple adieu...

I have fought a good fight, 

I have finished my course, 

I have kept the faith.

May God Bless You.

Oh, and remember that despite all the pain, suffering, and apathy you see directed at God's creatures, you have the ability to 

#SpeakLife, 

#SpeakLove, 

#SpeakCompassion...

...you just have to #SpeakUp!

Which Sanctuary Will Become the Next WAO?

I was saddened to see that IFAW is using In-Sync Exotics as a dumping ground for their so-called animal "rescues."  This is what I received in the my email box today...

February 2013

Follow Us

	We are just days away from rescuing another big cat - and I wanted to be sure you knew how you can help Sheba the tiger. To make this happen, we need you. You've spoken up for animals in the past, and your support has made a difference. Now I'm asking if you can help animals in a different way. Sheba is a tigress who has been living for about nine years in a small cement enclosure at a campground in Arkansas. She was brought there as a cub by an owner who kept her there because he did not have a proper enclosure on his farm. The campground's current director is concerned about having a tiger on the property and wanted to find a sanctuary that could give Sheba the space and care she deserves. IFAW was asked to find a permanent home for Sheba. You can help us move Sheba to a safe new home at In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center, a sanctuary in Texas. In-Sync is verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and is home to dozens of tigers, lions and cougars, as well as some leopards, cheetahs and bobcats. But relocating a tiger is a complex process. It takes a team. Will you be on that team? I've consulted with expert big cat veterinarians to map out the plan for moving Sheba. We'll use In-Sync's new trailer to move Sheba to her new home, where the staff is dedicated to the rescue of neglected, abused and unwanted exotic felines. Since 2003, IFAW has come to the rescue of over 150 big cats, along with many other displaced, unwanted or abused captive wild animals. We can't do rescues like this without you. Thank you, Kelly Donithan Wildlife Rescue Program Officer P.S.: At In-Sync, Sheba will have room to roam and will be able to interact with other tigers. You can help make sure Sheba is moved safely.

Now keep in mind, ISE will probably receive very little funding from IFAW for this tiger rehome as compared to how much IFAW will take in for this "rescue."  I guess now that ISE has their own animal transporter, they will be called upon by IFAW to help with future so-called "rescues." It won't be long before IFAW declares ISE as their "partner sanctuary"--just like they did when the WAO became IFAW's "partner" many, many years ago.

Despite the fact IFAW paid Carol Asvestas to gather evidence against ISE many years ago, in attempt to shut down the sanctuary,  I cannot help but see how ISE may very well turn into the  next WAO disaster some day.  It's amazing how I'm seeing history repeat itself all over again.  After seeing this, I've decided there's no point in following ISE in this blog again.  It's time to let this sanctuary go too...  Clearly, this sanctuary is going to go down the same path as the WAO.

Farewell In-Sync.  You had such promise...

Much later on Twitter:

IFAW‏@action4ifaw  Jun 24

>Thnks to all of the partner orgs, @BigCatRescue, @Insync_Exotics, @BigCatSanctuary, @animalsanctuary, & @SafeHavenRescu1!

#ifawq

Much much later on the Internet:

While I applaud individuals standing up for the protection of animals under the care of the care of animal caretakers and volunteers, there is a right way and a wrong way (in my opinion) to go about making a change on behalf of the animals.  Case in point...this site as it is now, is an example of doing something the wrong way. 

We are a group of current and former staff members. We have stood idly by too long, and Vicky Keahey continues to kill cats. She kills with impunity. It is clear to many of us the best thing for the cats is for Vicky Keahey to leave InSync Exotics. For a long time the inside joke has been "The best thing that could happen to the cats is for one of them to eat her". She must be stopped!

We have consulted with many experts in different fields and learned Vicky Keahey is a fraud and a liar. We are anonymous whistleblowers because Vicky Keahey fears being exposed, and when she does she hires lawyers to threaten legal action. This document shows the extreme she will go to identify someone who criticizes her. Here is where she silenced him. That is why this site is hosted overseas. That is why we posted a copy of the site to file sharing websites. It is public and can not be removed. We are too many to be silenced.

People make posts attacking Vicky Keahey for being a "toothless hillbilly" and "white trash". We believe that is unproductive. We supply documents and first hand accounts. Things that prove she is inept. Things that prove she is responsible for the deaths of many cats.

We often receive information, and it proves she is inept and incapable of caring for the cats. Once we validate the information we will post it. See the help page.

We have evidence that will cause the revocation of her 501(c)(3) status.
We have evidence that will cause the revocation of her USDA exhibitors permit.
We have evidence Vicky Keahey has committed felonies.

We have not turned it over to the proper authorities yet. Why? Because it will be less disruptive and better for ISE if Vicky Keahey electively complies with the items below. If she does not, we turn the evidence over. She will use donor money to fight. We do not want to deny the cats of any more money she has already denied them.

1. She must move all sanctuary related assets to InSync Exotics. Assets acquired with donor money should not be her personal asset. They belong to the cats.
2. She must reform the board. The purpose of a board is to hold the president accountable. The board is not a real board.
3. She must bring in outside expertise to train staff to properly care for the cats.
4. She must resign. She must move off property. She must never step foot on InSync Exotics again.

I was reminded by a friend of mine that no one listened to me in the beginning of the WAO case and perhaps I shouldn't be so "judgmental."  First off, I was not anonymous. My name was all over the documents that I submitted to governmental bodies such as the OAG, USDA, TCEQ, etc before posting to the REXANO.ORG webpage and my blog and second, I had no list of "demands" that needed to be met or "else."

This site feels wrong.  I can say that some information is correct, some information is taken out of context, and the rest is flat out wrong.  I spent a lot of time and effort laying out my WAO case before the USDA and OAG and it did me no good at all.  If what is currently on the ISE Killers webpage to be considered "damaging," then this group will have trouble getting the USDA or OAG to even read their complaint letters let alone act upon them.  Sadly, I feel, the way this site was put together, the only thing that is going to get hurt is ISE donations.

Looks like ISE's problems is just beginning--yep, it's going down the same path as the WAO.

Much, much, much later:

Yesterday I received this email from "InSync Exotics":

Vicky Keahey has killed more cats than a poacher! They are with us for life                        November 2014 The truth about InSync Exotics!!! Vicky Keahey has killed more big cats than a poacher! Visit www.insyncexoticskillers.com to read the truth about how so many of those cats died, and how Vicky covered it up. Look at veterinary records that contradict what she's released to the public. Listen to her, in her own voice, talk about how she's glad a big donors family died and has more money to give. Look at how many cats died unnecessarily and so young.   Quick Links Volunteering Wish List Tours Donate Our Residents

Forward this email

In-Sync Exotics January 30, 2015

Dear In-Sync Supporter, We are aware that we have been hacked and that an e-mail went out to all our dedicated volunteers and supporters.  Please know that this is a malicious attack against In-Sync Exotics and we have prepared the following statement.

It has been brought to our attention that there is a website out there which has been created for the sole purpose of defaming In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center and our President/Founder Vicky Keahey.  While do not wish to attract attention to this hateful site, we have nothing to hide and, as such, have decided to briefly address some of this issues raised. The primary accusations seem to center around us "killing our cats."  We emphatically deny this and have veterinary records documenting how each and every cat was lost.  It is the circle of life that all living things must die, and not all will die on a pre-determined schedule.  We are a sanctuary; this means animals often come to us in very bad condition, having received improper medical care, poor nutrition, and inadequate space for exercise.  These deficiencies sometimes impede a cat's long term development and health, much like with humans.  When we welcome cats into our In-Sync family, we commit to them fully.  This often includes taking extraordinary measures to help a cat heal and have a comfortable life, during which they will receive a proper diet, extensive vet care, and an extraordinary amount of love and care.  We have primary-care vets and specialists (oncologist, orthopedic specialists, etc.)  We have even flown in vets from Canada to perform a procedure not available in the US.  We do routine and diagnostic blood tests.  We take the cats for MRI's and CT scans as needed.  We have always followed all recommended vaccination protocols.  In fact, we now use an unapproved CDV vaccine because there isn't anything approved for big cats.  It is this level of care that is responsible for the very long lives of many of our cats.  We will happily share medical information on any of our cats. The site also makes accusations of financial mismanagement.  We have extremely low administrative costs, and almost all of our funding goes directly to the care of our cats.  It is true that Vicky has hired family members to work at the sanctuary; many sanctuaries are family-run affairs.  Each family member who was hired to do a specific job did in fact DO the job.  They were paid wages similar to other staff members hired to do similar jobs.  The majority of the work at our sanctuary is done by our 130+ volunteers, which keeps our costs very low. Further, this site includes vicious, personal attacks against In-Sync's President and Founder.  We are happy to address any organizational, legal, or medical questions.  We will not, however, dignify the personal attacks with a response. We believe this site was created and is maintained by disgruntled former staff and volunteers.  Throughout our history, we have certainly angered people; people have been asked to do jobs they didn't want to do and were denied positions or tasks they wanted to do.  It is not uncommon for volunteers to show up expecting to "play with tigers."  Without exception, decisions of what task a volunteer or staff member will be assigned are based entirely on what is in the best interest of the animal and the person. We regret that a small group of people were so upset that they chose to take this route of libel and defamation.  We do not, however, regret the level of care we provide for our cats.  We have no doubt that if these people believed their complaints were legitimate, they would not be hiding behind anonymity.  They would make the accusations in a venue where they could be held accountable for their words and accusations. We welcome a review by any of our licensing, regulatory, or supporting agencies, including but not limited to the IRS, USDA, Collin County Animal Control, Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, and/or American Sanctuary Association.  In-Sync Exotics and our Board of Directors would like to extend a genuine, heartfelt invitation to anyone who is worried about the legitimacy of our sanctuary.  Please, come for a visit and bring your questions.  We look forward to answering them and alleviating your concerns.

Sincerely, Vicky Keahey In-Sync Exotics _____________________________________________________________________ My response: Well, it appears the ISE Killer site is an inside job -- someone who worked in the office for sometime.  Now "they" crossed the line and committed an illegal act by sending out the "killer" email using ISE email e-list. Any "legitimate" complaints this group may have had are now suspect because of this illegal act. No government inspector will ever take this "group's" complaints seriously. Also, the "whistle blowers" may have run afoul of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) by sending out the email using ISE's email listing. It's people like this "killer" group that make it hard to report real animal/financial abuses -- pisses me off!  Sigh.  Again, this is the WRONG WAY to report any illegal activities of a sanctuary. Anyhoo, I think I can predict what the response will be from ISE.  First, all cameras, cell phones with cameras and voice recording devices will be banned from ISE property.  Next, all employees, board members, and volunteers will be forced to sign a "non-disclosure statement" or else they will be banned from the property.  Newsletters highlighting the ISE animals will be few and far between.  And finally, the ISE Facebook page will only contain happy pictures of cute animals--no mention of sick or dying animals will be posted to the site. What makes me think this will actually happen?  Well, it happened at the WAO.  'Nuff said. History has a funny way of repeating itself, doesn't it?

Heaven Welcomed Home Sabu

This is without a doubt the hardest blog posting I have ever written.  But before I say why, I'd like to thank my friend at ISE for providing me with updates on Sabu each week.  I cannot thank this person enough for taking the time to regal me with Sabu's latest antics, pictures of Sabu's handsome face, and the occasional video of our boy at play.  This person will never now how eternally grateful I was to receive information on Sabu's health progress. Weekly Sabu updates truly made me very happy.  Thank you so much my friend.

Thanks to this person, I was not completely surprised when I received notification from ISE saying Sabu 's health took a turn for the worse.

For weeks prior to the notification, I became very concerned when I learned Sabu refused to come out of his den to play or even lay in the sun.  I was concerned because a lion at his age with leg-related issues needs to move around so his leg muscles would not suffer from disuse atrophy which happens because of a lack of physical activity.  

So when I was told Sabu could no longer use his hind legs, I knew Sabu's time on earth was going to end soon.  I was told it took three people to assist Sabu up and help him walk to the playground so he could lay out in the sun or relieve himself.  I prayed for a miracle, but I knew in my heart that Sabu's time on earth was coming to and end.

The most heartbreaking news I received was when I was told Sabu was going to be put to sleep last Friday.  When the weather took a turn for the worse, with temperatures dropping into the 20s, blanketing his home with sleet and ice, the date was changed from Friday afternoon to Monday. Then on Sunday I received this heartbreaking news...

From: In-Sync Exotics
To: Kristina WAO Brunner
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2013 10:37 AM
Subject: 

Hey I may have to let sabu go today if the vet can get out. He's not able to stay warm. I have blankets on him and we are putting another heater on him and an electric blanket, but I don't like that he is shivering. He can't load into roll cage or I'd take him to VC and he's not going to let us carry him into roll cage. If we can't get him warm I'm going to seriously have to consider it.

I received this same message via text along with this photo of Sabu:

On loan from God, Sabu returned Home to be with Him.

Then sadly, I received this text from Vicky that changed my whole world:

"OK I made the call it will be done in a couple of hours. I hate this so much."

Vicky text me again, asking if I wanted to speak with Sabu before he passed and I thanked her for the opportunity. I couldn't think straight and I was afraid I would only cry through the entire call.  Jesus suggested I write down what I wanted to say to Sabu before he passed away so I wouldn't spend my time crying over the phone like I did when I spoke with Okemo before he passed away.  

When my phone rang and Sabu was on the other line, I didn't think I could get the words out because I was crying so hard.  I was able to tell Sabu that even though our journey on earth was coming to an end, I would see him again in Heaven.  I told him that it was my honor and privileged to have known him for eight years as his former animal caretaker and later his champion.  I told him I was thrilled that the Lord placed his hand of protection over him so that he could enjoy living at a place where he was loved and adored by so many people.  I told him I was amazed how much he changed from a shy lion living at the WAO to such a happy and playful fellow who enjoyed life at ISE.  I told him that I could see in his face how much happier he was living at ISE and for that I will always be grateful for the care and attention he received from all.  I told him that he was a one-of-a-kind lion; that the Lord broke the mold on the day he was created.  I told him I would miss his crazy and goofy antics and his love for life.  I told him I was eternally grateful he came into my life while at the WAO--for without him I may not have the courage to help save him and his animal friends when called upon to do the right thing.  I told him it was time for him to join Jinxie and the other WAO animals in Heaven.  I asked him to tell them that I was thinking of them and praying for them all the time.  I told him I missed him but that I would see him again soon.  I told him that I loved him very much.  I told him his job here on earth was done and that it was time for him to join the Lord in Heaven.  I kept telling him "job well done, Sabu...job well done."  Then I told him I loved him very much and I slowly hung up the phone. 

I wanted to create a special memorial for Sabu since he was the last of the original four animals (Sabu, Jake, Bubba and Princess) I tried so hard to save so many years ago.  I didn't know what type of video to create, so I took the Lord's suggestion of creating a video that would herald Sabu's arrival to Heaven. It was the hardest video I have ever created.  It was so surreal, creating this memorial video because Sabu was still alive and fighting for his life. There were several times when I just wanted to stop working on the video, but the Lord encouraged me to continue until it was almost finished late Saturday night.   I just didn't have the heart to produce the final Sabu video until the He said he was on his way to see Him.  

I was inspired to use the same song I originally chose for the WAO's first video created back in 2005 and then reused again for the "New Beginnings" video updated in 2010.  I guess it was appropriate to use this song for the last time, this time featuring Sabu.  Now whenever I hear this song, I won't think about the failed WAO or it's failed "New Beginnings."  I will only think of Sabu.

For this video presentation, I used a couple of WAO pictures I took of Sabu back in the day--one from Leslie Road (when he had his magnificent mane) and one from Talley Road when I first saw him after several years separation (2010) along with a lot of ISE pictures and videos taken during the various stages of his life. I am absolutely amazed at how much Sabu changed over the last two years.  The last pictures and videos in the presentation were taken the last week and they show just how content Sabu was until the end.

When Vicky communicated to me that Sabu was going to pass away within a couple of hours, I frantically tried to finished the video, so that when Sabu was entering Heaven, I could hit the produce button alerting the Lord that Sabu was on his way.  

As soon as I knew Sabu's soul was no longer with us, I hit the "produce button" and sent this video out on the web, announcing to the Lord and to the world that Magnificent Sabu was on his way to Heaven.

http://animoto.com/play/u0P6UlIAz41KMIOLVaVBtA

A broken heart is the worse.  It's like having broken ribs.  Nobody can see them, but it hurts everytime you breathe.

   

It was not lost on me that the sale of the last piece of the WAO property happened this month.  Finally, the WAO Talley Road land will no longer be in the hands of the WAO--finally after seven long years it looks like the WAO nightmare will finally coming to an end.

WAO Bankruptcy Court - Sale of Talley Road - 120213

Yesterday, Vicky said she's going to send me a plaster of paris paw print mold and whiskers from Sabu--and I am very grateful.  I guess when the package arrives I'll be bawling like a baby again.

Thank you Lord for introducing me to Sabu and all the animals of WAO.  I am eternally grateful to have cared and championed for your handsome Sabu. Please bless and protect Sabu in Heaven and let him know that I will always love him--he is and always will be--my hero.

I always thought this picture of Sabu was captured at a time when he was praying!
May 15, 2005