Michelle Renee Hayward

January 20, 1979 - March 6, 2005

From time to time, someone will touch your life in a special way. Michelle Renee Hayward so touched mine.  I first met Michelle when she visited the shelter.   She later adopted Samson, a beautiful, energetic young sable male that she bonded with immediately. He had a happy life with Michelle, and when he passed, she had his little body cremated. She cherished both his memory and his ashes.

Michelle came back to the shelter to volunteer whenever her job in law enforcement with the little northwest Ohio town of Swanton, would allow. Once, she needed to confiscate a little ferret on a call. She took the little one home with her and contacted me. That little ferret's life was changed for the better because of her love for and knowledge about ferrets' needs. On other occasions, she would pick up surrenders and care for them until we could make arrangements to get them to Lima. Michelle had a good and loving heart.

Michelle was 'Mom' to a total of 8 ferrets. Among the latest; Dingo and Wallaby. Dingo adored Michelle; she was his entire life. Wallaby was her youngest.  Michelle's ferrets were so delightfully spoiled. They were always running around her home and were rarely caged. As Michelle would get ready for work, Dingo would follow Michelle everywhere she went. If she stood still, he would lay his head on her feet and just stare at her, adoration in his eyes. It was a true love story.

Wallaby had his own endearing qualities. He loved to steal and hide her undergarments!  Michelle left the Swanton police force and moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida. She loved the area and her newest job in law enforcement. While there, she met her wonderful friend and co-worker, John.

On March 6, 2005, Michelle's life came to an abrupt tragic end. Samson's ashes were laid to rest with his loving Michelle.  Dingo, being older, grieved her loss. No amount of love and attention from John could ease his pain and soon Dingo left for the Rainbow Bridge to be with his cherished Michelle.

Many have felt the loss of her sweet smile, her laughter, her strength. How terrible to loose a daughter, a sister, a lover, a friend, a caretaker. Michelle, may you be remembered always for your kind and loving heart ...by all.

They say memories are golden,

Well maybe that is true.

I never wanted memories,

I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,

A million times I cried.

If love alone could have saved you,

You never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,

In death I love you still.

In my heart you hold a place,

No one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway,

And heartache make a lane,

I'd walk the path to heaven,

And bring you home again.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again.

   - Author Unknown