“We make a living by what we get, but we make
a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Nancy was a long-time, dedicated volunteer who is missed beyond measure, but will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family, friends, her dogs and Rescue Haven Foundation rescues.  Nancy was a special person whose gentle spirit, compassion, kindness and loving nature touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be cherished in our memories forever.  Her passion and love for rescuing  animals in need continues to inspire us.

We met Nancy when she applied to adopt Tinkerbelle. Nancy said many times she wasn’t ready to adopt, but after seeing Tinkerbelle’s picture on our Facebook page, Nancy could not get her out of her mind and decided to put in an application. She adopted Tinkerbelle in September of 2014 and became a steadfast supporter and a special friend, to many of us, always stopping by and bringing Tink (as she affectionately nicknamed her) to all our events so we had a chance to visit with her.  She became an “Official” Volunteer with us in 2015 until she moved to Delaware in August 2020, where she built her dream house after retiring in August 2019.

The picture that started it all: Tinkerbelle

Nancy was a constant at our adoption events, always stepping in when we needed assistance doing anything and everything, like picking up supplies, filling in for our secretary at our volunteer meetings, making flyers and videos, setting up for events, transporting dogs, helping out at home visits and adoptions, and the list goes on and on. Her family shared Nancy’s sentiments with us, saying “Working with Rescue Haven Foundation was one of the best things in her life; it was her pride and greatest joy!”

Though it will not be the same without her, we will continue to do the work Nancy was so selflessly devoted to, and we have established a fund in her honor. The Nancy Midwinter Healing Hearts Fund focuses on the prevention and treatment of heartworm positive dogs.  Since heartworm is a serious disease and potentially  fatal in dogs, we could not think of a better legacy for Nancy than saving and healing the lives  of our dogs that are heartworm positive and rescuing them from their current situation.

Click here for more information on heartworm effects, treatment, and prevention.