Lynne Burton loves animals and so did her friend Edna Jack.
There were tears in her eyes Wednesday when Burton said, "She was my friend," and handed over a $47, 441.47 cheque to the Humane Society of the Battlefords.
The money came from the estate of the late Edna Jack, who passed away Aug. 15, 2012 at the Battlefords District Care Centre. She has left an equal amount to that institution.
Burton said Jack had been a flight attendant before retiring and had travelled the world. Although Jack had been married twice, Burton added, she had no children and no other close family. She loved animals and she adored her dog Muffin, a Shih Tzu she had purchased as a puppy from Burton.
The two women met 13 years ago when Jack, originally from the Midnight Lake area, was still living in Vernon, B.C.
"We connected," said Burton.
She made several trips to visit Jack, who had been nicknamed "Granny Goose" by the neighbourhood children she had befriended, and happily continued their visits when Jack relocated to North Battleford in 2008.
Burton continued to visit her regularly when she became a resident of Battlefords District Care Centre, a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Burton kept Jack's beloved Muffin at her farm, looking after her as she grew feeble and lost her vision, taking her to visit her master as often as possible.
When the end finally came for 93-year-old Jack, 14-year-old Muffin, too, was ready to let go, said Burton. So they passed together.
Now, with the bequest to the humane society, Jack will be remembered for her love of animals. Michelle Spark, executive director of the society for the last three years, says the money will go into the "new building" fund. It will pay for a "cuddle room" named for Jack that will be a place where members of the public can come and spend time with shelter animals - a positive experience for both visitors and animals.
Spark hopes the new building will be a reality within five years.
Burton said the Battlefords District Care Centre will also benefit from Jack's estate. They are currently determining what renovations may be done with the funds.
