On Tuesday, July 1st 2008 we have had to say goodbye to a good friend. Shahna Rice had a light that shone so brightly it touched almost everyone she encountered. I believe that there are many people in this world that shine, but none so strongly and so brightly as Shahna. She was able to make a mark on this world, and she is someone who will truly never be forgotten.

Shahna showed kindness and compassion to everyone she encountered, but a great space in her heart was reserved for the smallest of God’s creatures. Animals were Shahna’s passion and she devoted her life to saving the world – one dog at a time.

Shahna was involved with the Brandon Humane Society for many years, and in 2001 she began her own venture into animal rescue. Seeing the demand was exceeding the available space, Shahna started to look for a solution to the overwhelming numbers of animals in need. It began with two cocker spaniels – Brooklyn and Armani – and a dream.

In September of 2001, Shahna Rice opened the doors to her rescue, Funds for Furry Friends. Her animal rescue was small and only beginning, so Shahna invested her personal time, effort and finances into the care and vet work needed for these dogs. After her first two rescues found homes, Shahna opened her arms to other animals in need.

Of course, there were too many dogs for one person to rescue alone – so Shahna began to recruit friends, coworkers and acquaintances to help “babysit” the animals she would come across. She had an amazing gift for talking people into things, and it was never easy to say no to Shahna Rice. It wasn’t long before she built a network of people that would care for the animals she found …

Shahna worked a day job, and all her income, time and efforts outside of work were devoted to her cause. She passed on new furniture, vehicles and vacations to pay for vet work, boarding costs, transportation, food and supplies for the animals she rescued. She truly made the rescue her life’s ambition.
After getting the rescue on its feet, Shahna was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. Despite her diagnosis, she continued the rescue’s operations with great drive and determination. Through treatments that included chemotherapy and radiation, Shahna never failed to help a dog in need. Her focus was never on her own situation, and Shahna rarely complained. She was much more concerned with saving the lives of animals in need.

By 2004 the rescue really was growing and Shahna was watching her dreams unfold. She had managed to end the year with 126 dogs (and countless cats) passing through her rescue – doubling her numbers from years previous. This year would be a real mark for the rescue, but the year would end with some life changing news. Just after Christmas, Shahna was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Her breast cancer had spread, and drastically so. In only a couple years time, the cancer had spread all over her body – from her bones, to her skin, lungs and liver. The prognosis was absolutely devastating. Along with this terrible news, Shahna faced the possibility of shutting down her rescue.

The outpouring of support was overwhelming. Shahna received phone calls from so many of the people she recruited for her cause - Funds for Furry Friends had blossomed into something no one wanted to give up on. Shahna moved forward with necessary paperwork, and the rescue officially became a nationally registered charity. For the first time, the rescue was able to accept donations for its operations, and joined by a board of directors, Shahna kept her dream alive.

And once again, despite treatments, chemotherapy and medication for the advancing cancer – Shahna continued to operate the rescue with her newly recruited team. There is something beyond inspirational about Shahna’s story. While she fought a battle for her own life, she focused all her energy into saving the lives of so many animals.

The rescue continued to thrive, and in 2006, another milestone was accomplished when Shahna almost doubled her yearly total, with 206 dogs passing through the doors of the rescue. Her foster home network had expanded to more than 40 foster homes, and the rescue had become widely known. Shahna’s great vision for Funds for Furry Friends was really coming to life.

To date, the rescue has saved nearly 800 dogs and countless cats – and while there were many that helped along the way, each and every one of those lives was truly saved because of Shahna Rice. The rescue was Shahna’s legacy, and it is something that, born from her, will continue to live and grow because of her. Now and forever, each and every animal that finds a new life through this rescue will do so because of the dreams and determination of one person.

If you’ve ever seen a shooting star, it’s something spectacular – but it only lasts a moment and then it’s gone… But while it is here it shines so brightly and fiercely that it lights up the whole sky. Shahna Rice was one of those rare shining stars.

In the end, none of us have very long on this earth. Life is far too short and Shahna was someone that really made her life spectacular. While Shahna may be gone, her hopes and dreams will live on, and change the lives of many more of God’s smallest creatures.

We love you Shahna – and we will never forget you.