A Bench for Sandy

Sandy's father (Howard) and his wife (Pam) are arranging for a bench to be decorated and placed in Doyle Park in her memory. It is being commissioned through ArtStart and is likely to feature themes that we all associate with our friend -- animals and the color purple.

If you'd like to make a donation to the bench, please contact the Simpsons by email: hsimpson@pacbell.net

Or you can touch base with me (Dana - Kali & Milo) at the park.

It's going to take a few months -- so we can look forward to an early summertime dedication!

"Sandy Says..."

Laurie, a regular at the dog park with Portia, her lovely beagle, wrote this wonderful poem for Sandy and read it at the celebration of Sandy's life on February 7.

My arms are spread wide, my joys they abound
My face to the sun, there’s warmth all around
Daydreaming of puppies, gentle waves at my feet
So free and so light, no more barriers to meet

I see the group now, my friends and my loves

Two and four legged, with shoes on.. or paws
Lavender and purple such a sight to behold
I’m a bit overwhelmed, truth to be told

Don’t worry, don’t cry, be happy for me
The world was my oyster and always will be
When one has known kinship and sweet friends, as I
With memories so special, it’s never good-bye

COME, SIT on my bench and STAY for a while
Put your face to the sky and give a big smile
Remember my laughter, my spirit this day
I’m right there beside you…it’s OK… now, go PLAY

Remembering Sandy

Known as "our dog whisperer", Sandy passed away peacefully on January 22, 2009 after a long illness. Sandy was part of the extended dog-owning community in Doyle Park that includes 50 people and at least 100 dogs many of which she personally trained - both human and dog. As the owner of My Dog Bakery, Sandy touched many lives, rescued many animals, and was an inspiration to us all. She is survived by her three dogs and two cats, Dude, Shiloh, Li'l Bit, Cowboy and Velcro; her mother Pat VanCleave and her husband Dick of Selma, Oregon; her father Howard Simpson and his wife Pam of Santa Rosa; brothers Steve Simpson and his wife Janet of Danville and Scott Simpson of Selma, Oregon; step-siblings Jay Sherrod, Danelle Sherrod Geller and Dara Sherrod; also survived by her niece Samantha and five nephews Greg, Jeff, Cody, Dashiell, and Sinclair. She has lived in Sonoma County for 41 years and spent this last year doing the things she loved, spending time with her friends and animals, traveling to Kauai, and throwing herself a 50th birthday bash in purple footie pajamas. Friends are invited to a Celebration of her Life on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Doyle Park Dog Park, Doyle Park Drive and Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa, purple attire optional. Sandy would have liked both her two and four legged friends to be present. Private inurnment. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandy's memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the Sonoma County Animal Shelter.