In Memory of Deb Anders

A Rescue Angel passed away on June 7th. Deb Anders was a major champion of rescue Cavaliers and was our California rescue team leader for many years. She expertly found homes for countless numbers of Cavaliers and touched the lives of hundreds of adopters, as well as all of the volunteers with whom she worked. Kind, Wise, Selfless, Gracious. That is what I think of when I think of Deb. Few people have brought as much joy to others as Deb did. She was a wonderful woman and will be so missed by so many. I was privileged to have her in my life and in our group. May she rest in well deserved peace and love.

Carolyn Stigler

Here is a tribute to Deb from Donna Beirne, a close friend and team leader in CA…

Deb’s dedication to the rescue was unmatched. Deb was always ready to drive anywhere to pick up an incoming dog or complete a home visit. She frequently invited me to ride shotgun. We quickly turned these duties into cherished traditions. After the vet exams, we would always treat ourselves to lunch at a fine restaurant nearby.

On a couple of rescue trips to Murrieta and Temecula, we made a plan to stop at a local winery for a beautiful lunch before heading back west. One of our most memorable pickups involved a senior Blenheim girl named Abigail. Her owners in San Diego were facing continuing health declines and had boarded their beloved Cavalier for months. Knowing they could no longer care for her, they specifically requested that only Deb take her. Deb picked me up, and we made the long drive to San Diego. We met the husband and wife for a lovely dinner at their beachfront senior community. After a touching meeting, they formally surrendered their dear 9-1/2-year-old girl. We picked Abigail up from the boarding facility the next day. I fostered her, fell in love, and ultimately adopted Abigail.

Beyond rescue, Deb and I shared a love for fine dining, good wine, fun shopping, and travel. Because I volunteered at the Getty Center, Deb drove down one time for a wonderful summer afternoon. We walked through the beautiful gardens and enjoyed a refined lunch at the Getty Restaurant.

As time went on and Judy retired, Deb enlisted me often to assist with administrative duties, organizing our volunteer lists and foster dog lists and helping on asking volunteers to foster an incoming pup and eventually to mentoring a couple of new volunteers. Following one of the rescue gatherings in Carmel, Deb asked me to step into her role so she could finally take a well-deserved step back from the heavy time commitment of Southern California Coordinator. Taking over was truly a labor of love. Though I was hesitant to take on the responsibility, I felt profoundly grateful that she entrusted me with such an important legacy.

Deb was a wonderful friend and an invaluable mentor. She saved countless beautiful Cavaliers, and she made every single trip unforgettable. I will deeply miss our tradition of wrapping up a long rescue drive with fine dining, a great drink, and endless conversation.

Deb brought so much joy to both the people and the animals in her life. Her kindness, dedication, and vibrant spirit will never be forgotten.