The Oakdale Shelter Pet Alliance (OSPA) lost one of its cherished volunteers, board member, and friend, Sue LaMont on Nov. 23, 2020. To honor her memory and passion for animals, the OSPA, shelter volunteers, and staff gathered on Tuesday, July 20 at the Oakdale Animal Shelter and dedicated a memorial plaque in her name.
“Sue always made sure everyone felt welcome at the shelter – new volunteers, customers, and most of all, the pets,” said OSPA board member Debi Scoles. “She was a dedicated, compassionate volunteer who cared for every animal with gentleness and love.”
LaMont traveled many miles over the years, transporting animals to rescues even as far as Oregon. She would transport them in the surrounding area as well like the Livermore Municipal Airport where she loaded up some dogs to be flown in a plane with the Wings of Rescue organization to a rescue in Washington.
“She worked tirelessly at community events such as the Oakdale Chocolate Festival, the Riverbank Farmer’s Market and the Knights Ferry Salmon Festival, providing information about the animal shelter and about Oakdale Shelter Pet Alliance,” stated Scoles. “Sue never missed an opportunity to help at a pet adoption event, sharing her joy and excitement when a pet found a loving new home.”
Al Scoles created a concrete monument for the placement of the memorial plaque that is in the shape of a dog house with a water bowl in the front. The marker was placed at the shelter in the dog yard under the shade structure which Debi noted was one of LaMont’s favorite places.
“She could often be found there supervising the dogs as they exercised and played,” expressed Scoles. “Sue will be lovingly remembered for her steadfast, compassionate effort to save and improve the lives of our community's homeless pets.”
Volunteers were recently approved to return to the Oakdale Animal Shelter.
Although the pandemic has changed the way in which the OSPA assists homeless pets, they still continue to sponsor adoption specials, help with medical needs, and meet with customers on a limited basis to issue vouchers.
Oakdale Shelter Pet Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of homeless pets in the Oakdale and Riverbank communities.
