Sam the Giraffe Memorial Fund
Donation protected
A message from the Iddings Family:
Our beloved Sam suddenly started feeling under the weather on Friday evening (August 15, 2014). It did not seem serious, but as a precaution, we put him under close veterinary care from the moment his symptoms were first discovered. Despite all efforts, however, at around 1:30am Monday morning Sam was no longer able to stand and laid down in his pasture. The owners and the vet rushed to his aid and worked frantically with him throughout the night. At 5:20am Sam was overcome, and gave up the fight. We are devastated by his loss. Our hearts are broken. We miss him terribly.
He was special. He was magnificent. He was family.
We are grateful to you all for your support and condolences. It is appreciated more than you know. We truly do feel as though we have lost a member of our family, and our home feels very... empty and lonely now without his presence. As we drive up to our driveway, or walk past his area, we find ourselves looking for him to walk around the corner and greet us as he has always done these past twelve years.
It breaks our hearts...
We feel lost without him.
He contributed so much throughout his life, bringing joy to so many. From giraffe enthusiasts wishing for a hands-on experience, families looking for adventure, school groups in need of fun education, to terminally ill patients fulfilling their bucket list, Sam met every need.
His intelligence was undeniable. His gentleness unrivaled. He was one-of-a-kind and we all loved him for it. Every spring he would seem to wait impatiently for the open season to begin. His anticipation for seeing his public was palpable. And we couldn't help but smile knowing how much he enjoyed his life here and interacting with you all so closely. No matter where people were, whether standing on the deck, on the ground, or pulling up along his fence line on a hayride, he never neglected anyone but rather made sure to make rounds to see each and every one of you. Even this weekend when he was not feeling well he still chose to visit everyone as much as possible.
Our beloved Sam suddenly started feeling under the weather on Friday evening (August 15, 2014). It did not seem serious, but as a precaution, we put him under close veterinary care from the moment his symptoms were first discovered. Despite all efforts, however, at around 1:30am Monday morning Sam was no longer able to stand and laid down in his pasture. The owners and the vet rushed to his aid and worked frantically with him throughout the night. At 5:20am Sam was overcome, and gave up the fight. We are devastated by his loss. Our hearts are broken. We miss him terribly.
He was special. He was magnificent. He was family.
We are grateful to you all for your support and condolences. It is appreciated more than you know. We truly do feel as though we have lost a member of our family, and our home feels very... empty and lonely now without his presence. As we drive up to our driveway, or walk past his area, we find ourselves looking for him to walk around the corner and greet us as he has always done these past twelve years.
It breaks our hearts...
We feel lost without him.
He contributed so much throughout his life, bringing joy to so many. From giraffe enthusiasts wishing for a hands-on experience, families looking for adventure, school groups in need of fun education, to terminally ill patients fulfilling their bucket list, Sam met every need.
His intelligence was undeniable. His gentleness unrivaled. He was one-of-a-kind and we all loved him for it. Every spring he would seem to wait impatiently for the open season to begin. His anticipation for seeing his public was palpable. And we couldn't help but smile knowing how much he enjoyed his life here and interacting with you all so closely. No matter where people were, whether standing on the deck, on the ground, or pulling up along his fence line on a hayride, he never neglected anyone but rather made sure to make rounds to see each and every one of you. Even this weekend when he was not feeling well he still chose to visit everyone as much as possible.
He was happiest when surrounded by his public. He loved you all.
Thank you for loving him too,
The Iddings Family
_____________________________________________________
In memorial of Sam, we will be opening the Ranch for visitation August 22, 23 & 24 from 12:00 to 6:00 on a donation basis. Regular admissions will not apply. Extra activities such as pony/camel rides, feed for the animals, mining, and corn maze will not be operational at this time. Visitors are encouraged and welcome to celebrate Sam's life by hanging photos, testimonials, and flowers along his fence line.
All contributions made to Idle-Hour Ranch's Giraffe Fund during their memorial weekend and through this site will be put towards the bills incurred by Sam's illness/death, to help ease the family's burden of getting the other animals through the winter.
Thank you and God Bless
IHR website: www.idle-hourranch.com
Sponsors can contact Brittany at: [email redacted]
Thank you for loving him too,
The Iddings Family
_____________________________________________________
In memorial of Sam, we will be opening the Ranch for visitation August 22, 23 & 24 from 12:00 to 6:00 on a donation basis. Regular admissions will not apply. Extra activities such as pony/camel rides, feed for the animals, mining, and corn maze will not be operational at this time. Visitors are encouraged and welcome to celebrate Sam's life by hanging photos, testimonials, and flowers along his fence line.
All contributions made to Idle-Hour Ranch's Giraffe Fund during their memorial weekend and through this site will be put towards the bills incurred by Sam's illness/death, to help ease the family's burden of getting the other animals through the winter.
Thank you and God Bless
IHR website: www.idle-hourranch.com
Sponsors can contact Brittany at: [email redacted]
Organizer
Brittany Iddings
Organizer
