Dear Editor,
In memory of Gabriele Barrie, Ted Murphy, in the Dec. 16, 2023 edition of the Western Wheel, wrote: “Pound Rescue founder Dr. Gabriele Barrie is being remembered for her boundless compassion and an unwavering advocacy for abandoned animals.
“Barrie, who passed away Dec. 7 at the age of 77 after a three-month battle with cancer, leaves an indelible imprint on Okotoks that stretches back four decades and includes thousands of homeless animals ...”
Gabi was my twin sister. Once a year I visited Okotoks from Germany and got to know wonderful people there. Gabi was deeply convinced that one day the fight against cruelty and exploitation against animals will be won.
She never gave up, working from morning until evening to save lost and found animals or to speak up for the voiceless.
One of her last words were: I will be dead, but there will be millions of me, stronger, louder, smarter, armed with the most powerful weapons there are: compassion and empathy. Please know that I am at peace as this will be a wonderful world for all, including all animals.
Gabi is buried in a beautiful park very close to the old house of our parents and grandparents. Her heart stayed in Okotoks with Pound Rescue. Thanks to wonderful people, the work of Pound Rescue goes on. The animals need help from all of us.
Please donate, volunteer or foster.
Christiane Neuhaus
Berlin, Germany
