The Donkey Sanctuary
mourns the loss of
Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE
It is with much sadness that we announce the death of our Founder, Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, who died on Wednesday 11th May 2011 surrounded by her family.
This book of condolence enables our supporters to pass on messages of respect to Elisabeth Svendsen's family that will be printed and given to them so they will have a lasting collection of your moving tributes.
I can hear a Donkey braying far up upon the hill,
It's a bray that is tinged with sadness for a loss no-one can fill,
"Mother's gone" the bray does tell, "Our saviour is lost, our Angel fell"
So many hearts and lives were touched by hers,
Your passion will live on for Donkeys Years
RIP - you will be sorely missed by us all xxx
Sam Scott-Mance, Supporter
Dr S was an inspiration to us all. From the moment she decided to dedicate her life to providing care, health and welfare to donkeys and mules she would never take no for an answer. Over 42 years later the Charity she built from scratch has, in Europe, taken in over 14,500 donkeys and mules. In 2010 the Charity worked directly or indirectly in 29 countries, reaching over 400,000 animals in its international division where it provides veterinary care and welfare education. None of this would have been possible without her vision and drive. All of Dr Svendsen's staff are dedicated to continuing the work in her memory, holding fast to the vision of a world in which every donkey and mule receives the care and respect it so deserves and needs.
David Cook, Chief Executive
The Donkey Sanctuary
During my 6 years at Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land, I had many dealings with the Donkey Sanctuary and was in awe of Dr Svendsen's achievements for donkeys worldwide. May she rest in peace in the knowledge that her good work will be carried on by her team.
Such a sad loss, this lovely lady did so much, not only for donkeys and mules but also for disabled children. She created a wonderful sanctuary in Devon, it was always a pleasure to visit and meet her and all the donkeys she had helped.
What a wonderful legacy she leaves behind and I am sure all her staff will carry on with the same dedication that she showed.
Thoughts are with Dr Svendsen's family at this sad time.
Deb Butcher & family
Supporters of The Donkey Sanctuary
I never got to meet Dr. S. but I can say without hesitation that she was unique.
How many people run an organisation with around 500 employees where none of them have ever said a bad word about them, out of love and admiration?
How many people do truly dedicate themselves to what they really believe in?
How many people have the passion and drive to actually pursue their dreams no matter what?
How many people give so much to others, making their lives happier?
How many people have the kind of heart it takes to hold and share so much love and devotion?
Dr. S. was one of those people. We are glad that you are, forever, an everlasting reality in our existence.
Rafael Benjumea
PR/ Fundraising Officer
El Refugio del Burrito, Spain.
I first came to the Sanctuary over 37years ago when my eldest daughter was just 6 months old we have continued to visit and watch the sanctuary grow. My deepest sympathy to the family and all the donkeys and workers of the sanctuaries worldwide, her memory will never be forgotten.
It was with great sadness that I heard of the loss of Dr Svendsen. Love and thoughts go out to all those who will miss her so very much. She was an inspiration to many, including myself, I have visited some of her Donkey Sanctuaries abroad and have always been impressed with what she has managed to achieve and all the donkeys she gave new, safe and loving homes to.
May she rest in peace knowing that her life's work will continue on and on.
An amazing lady.
Jane Wright & Staff @ Blueberry Warren Rabbit Sanctuary Chudleigh.
When I read the sad news of Dr Svendsen's death yesterday I had a lump in my throat, and it brought tears to my eyes to learn that the 'saviour of donkeys' had passed away. Dr. Svendsen was a remarkable lady whose work for donkeys must be unequalled in this world. She will be sadly missed by the donkeys of this world and all donkey lovers. At this sad time my thoughts particularly go out to her family, friends and staff who will no doubt continue her work in her memory. I'm sure her inspiration will live on to give them the strength they need to fulfil this enormous task. She will never be forgotten.
Sybille Weber
Donkey Sanctuary supporter from Germany
I have only been associated with the Donkey Sanctuary since 1993, when my dear Dad passed away & we sent a donation.
I will never forget my first visit & was so impressed by everyone & everything & realised the magnitude of the task Dr Svendsen had taken on & managed so successfully. On my visits I love to see the children getting so involved & loving every moment with the donkeys & hope that they, in their turn will support the Sanctuary. Dr Svendsen, you are an inspiration to us all & your family must be so proud of you. God bless.
Pat Byrne, a supporter from Dorset.
My sincerest condolences to all in regards to the passing of this beautiful person.
I want to thank Dr Svendsen for putting donkeys on the map when it comes to animals as I have always felt they were 'the forgotten ones'. I have loved donkeys since childhood and I still do to this day. As a child I refused to have a donkey ride on the beach and much rather spend time with it and pet it than ride it.
She will, to me at least, be remembered for bringing these beautiful and soulful animals to the public's attention in that they love them as much as I do.
Thank you for your love, care and compassion where these animals are concerned. You are truly a beautiful person with a heart full of donkey love and I am sure they will miss you very much as we will.
R.I.P Dr Svendsen and hope you see your donkey friends soon.
With blessings.
Charlotte.
I met Dr Svendsen for the first time last year at the annual memorial service and once later on when going to view my remembrance tree. She was a warm genuine person with a love for all animals. My condolences to the family. She will be very much missed I am sure.
You will be sorely missed by so many people across the world but most of all by your beloved Donkeys. You will have so many four legged friends awaiting you
Jill Boxell
Con la pérdida de la Doctora, el mundo ha perdido a una gran mujer, pero su obra sigue y seguirá a lo largo del tiempo. La persona que ama a los animales nunca puede tner mal corazón. Deseo que siga viviendo en otras esferas y que alli se encuentre acompañada de sus amados burritos. Un beso para la Gran Señora y para sus animales que la estarán acompañando.
With the loss of Dr. S. the world has lost a great woman, but her legacy goes on and will go on in time. Any person who loves animals can never be ill-hearted. I hope she keeps on living in a different sphere, accompanied by her beloved donkeys. A kiss for this Great Lady and the animals that will keep her company.
(Kindly translated by Rafa Benjumea, El Refugio del Burrito)
I had the pleasure of driving Dr Svendsen on many occasions. She was a truly inspirational and a person whom I will never forget.
Chris Turner
My condolences to her family and all the staff of The Donkey Sanctuary. In 2002 I had the honour to meet her personally and I'll remember this fantastic moment for the rest of my life.
All the members of the Belgium donkeyclub Donkey-sjot will remember her.
Geert Van Lierde
chairman www.donkey-sjot.be
Dr Svendsen was an absolute inspiration, both to me personally and to us as an organisation. Her incredible passion for donkeys and her deep sense of respect and love for these wonderful animals was an incredible example for us all. She campaigned tirelessly for animal welfare and the organisation she created really is a leading light in the field, offering outstanding research and elevating standards in donkey care, not to mention doing wonders to improve everyone’s understanding of these special creatures. Words cannot express how much Dr Svendsen will be missed, and our thoughts and very best wishes are with everyone at The Donkey Sanctuary at this sad time.
Lynn Cutress
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
I have been to the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary a few times and the peacefulness there is just wonderful. The love and care that has gone out to all the donkeys over so many years, to the disabled children and their families, the staff and supporters is just all credit to the vision and determination of this wonderful lady. She will be sorely missed but I am sure the great work will continue for many years to come. God Bless.
I was so sad to hear of the death of Dr. Svendsen, an amazing lady who committed her life to saving donkeys and mules and re-homing them in a wonderful safe environment that they have in her sanctuary in Devon, and those across Europe, and the world. May she rest in peace knowing that her wonderful work will carry on, and more donkeys and mules will be saved and looked after by her caring and dedicated staff at the centres. x
I was very fortunate to travel to Sidmouth, Devon, England from Crete to visit Dr. Svendsen's truly wonderful Donkey Sanctuary in May 2010 and what an amazing place it is, I felt very privileged to be there, all those very lucky donkeys so well cared for.
While there I attended the D.S. Training Course which was an invaluable experience that has helped my work here with the abandoned, abused donkeys of Crete, our very grateful thanks to a lady who will never be forgotten..
Agia Marina Donkey Rescue
Sivas, Iraklion 70400, Crete
A truly wonderful and compassionate lady. The world has lost an angel, but heaven has gained one. May you rest peacefully.
You were and will always be a true inspiration to me and i know somewhere you're looking down and will always be watching over the ones you love, like an angel in the sky....
Love you gran
Kate x
Thank you Dr Svendsen for spending your life helping these lovely animals. I never knew you but I visited the sanctuary and was delighted to see so many happy donkeys. They have so much to thank you for.
Thank you for all what you have done for donkeys and children and for the high standards you have set for animal rescue work. Though I have never met you, you will always remain an inspiration for me. Your legacy will live on.
Dorothea Lotter
20 years ago, I wrote to Dr. Svendsen and enquired about The Donkey Sanctuary because I had decided to start such an organization in Canada. Her immediate response, and so many others over the years, were helpful, supportive and inspiring. Dr. Svendsen's contribution to the world of animal welfare was unique and without peer. The legacy that she has left to the world is truly astounding and it will be of immeasurable benefit to millions of helpless creatures worldwide far into the future.
Sandra Pady, Executive Director,
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada
My sincere condolences go to Dr Svendsen's family.
I have just returned from my most amazing first Donkey Week in Devon. Having admired her for many years, later becoming a volunteer, I felt so privileged to have spoken with her only two days before she died. She was so warm and compassionate and showed this clearly when she spoke to us all about the future plans for her beloved donkeys. Her dedication never wavered.
God Bless You
I was saddened to read that Dr. Svendsen had passed away, I so enjoyed reading her newsletters and she will be so missed by all those donkeys who looked up to her for their safety and care. I visited Devon in 1978 and again in 2007 and it was such a wonderful place. I am British but live in Ohio USA, and have two donkeys of my own which bring me such joy and pleasure.
May God give comfort to her family and friends
Jeannie Moore
New Vienna, Ohio USA
We learned about The Donkey Sanctuary through Derek Tangye's books and visited for the first time in the 1990s. I read about Dr Svendsen's work online when we got home and was astonished by all her efforts. It takes one person with a passion to make such a difference around the world, and she certainly had that passion and engendered it in many others. She must have been able to look back on her life with enormous pride and satisfaction, and that's not a bad way to end.
Brenda Skinner
Madoc, Ontario, Canada
The world has lost one beautiful person, may you rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Dr Svendsen was a true inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed, especially by her darling donkeys. I have visited the Sanctuary many times and I never had the opportunity to meet her, but I always felt the calm and tranquillity of the place and the donkeys always look so contented and peaceful.
Thank you for dedicating your life to these wonderful animals and I am sure your legacy will live on.
"You can shed tears when she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her or you can be full of love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her only that she's gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can try and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what she'd want; smile, open your eyes, love and go on".
David Harkins, © 1981
Chris Pile, Farm Manager,
The Donkey Sanctuary Derbyshire Centre.
My heroine.
Su Slade.
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