Goodbye to Sophie

It is with deep sadness and pain we say goodbye to Sophie, Fauna’s Tiniest Matriarch. Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we mourn the loss of our dear little Sophie who passed away on Thursday October 15 with her beloved family of  humans and non-humans near by.

Sophie had been in palliative care for a long time, lovingly cared for by our wonderful staff — a special group of people who I am deeply proud of. A group of people who have shown such love and compassion towards their little friend and her family and such understanding and support towards me during this difficult time.

The amazing women and men who work with us at Fauna have come to realize and appreciate how important these last days and months are, how much harder they must work and how much more compassion, strength and love they must find in their hearts to be there fully for our beloved residents…the passing of life is as important as life itself.

To be with our friends, to hold them, care for them, to be strong, to be present and to be mindful is the greatest gift they give during the final days and moments of our loved ones lives. To be selfless, to be courageous when their hearts are breaking, to be as strong as they can when they want to crumble and fall, that is what it is to work in a sanctuary. To love and care for our residents until the final moments and to know you were there for them — that you were there for the last and most precious time and understood how much that moment meant.

Each and every day Sophie received much love, care and a great deal of attention from her  caregivers. Knowing all the challenges she faced daily it had to have been the care she received that kept her going all these years.
Sophie was such a strong little Capuchin. I do not know how she found the strength or the courage to go on each day but she did and I will never underestimate the power of love ever again.

Sophie was loved by all who knew her. She was respected for her tenacity and strength, admired by her friends Theo, Darla, Newton, Eugene and Pougi. She was especially loved and adored by her life companion Little Man, who passed away a few years ago.

Sophie, Fauna’s Tiniest Matriarch

Sophie and Little Man had lived together more than 20 years and after his passing Sophie moved in with Pougi, a Longtailed Macaque who had lost his sight. It was a remarkable relationship that provided so much for each of them.
After Pougi passed away, Sophie lived alone with her dear friends near by. Darla loved Sophie and they groomed and spent much time near one another before Sophie had her stroke and moved into palliative care.

As many of you know, in these past months Sophie’s health declined and each and everyday we knew could be her last. We prayed for her and for her family knowing how difficult her passing would be on them.

Sophie was blessed to have so many friends and because of all of you, Fauna’s loyal supporters, she was able to live a full, rich life in sanctuary. You made this possible for her. So now I am sending all of you a hug and my love through this message and wishing you peace as we all pass through this difficult time as we say goodbye to Sophie.

Every life has an impact on this world and in our lives, and while we are mourning the loss of our loved one-others are rejoicing to meet her behind the veil. The angels are always near to those who are grieving, whispering to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God.

I wish you peace and healing,

—Gloria xo