Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Heartbreaking Day at the Sanctuary: Remembering Misha


We have been struggling to find the right words, to find the strength, and to accept the need to tell you all that several days ago, we lost Misha in an unexplainable accident. She was found in her habitat when we arrived for her morning feeding the night after a thunderstorm. We have poured over and dwelled for hours on end about what may have happened and can come to no certain conclusion. There were no clues as to what may have caused this heartbreaking and untimely loss. Whether by some accident of nature or an underlying physiological complication, this amazing cub, who touched each of our lives in a different way, was taken from us far too soon and now, we find it difficult to express how much grief we feel.

In only three weeks, Misha showed us so much of herself and put her entire being in her new life at the Sanctuary. She embraced every new opportunity and was eager and curious to learn and explore what her home had to offer her, including her new friends. Misha found nurturing and comfort in her human caregivers at IEAS, forming unique bonds with each of us individually. Whether she viewed us as a friend, mother, father, or sibling, Misha showed us just how intelligent, bright, and thoughtful she really was. Her confidence grew by the day, and it took little more than looking into her expressive eyes to fall in love with her. The understanding and acceptance she had for her new family and the security that she found in each of us gives us reconciliation in that we are truly confident that Misha knew that she was cared for, treasured, and, above all, loved during her time with us. To say that we feel it is a privilege to have known Misha, even for a short time, is an understatement. It is one of the greatest honors we’ve had, and a time that will undoubtedly stay with each of us forever. We will never stop loving this amazing little cub, and though she can no longer be with us, she will always be in our hearts and a part of the IEAS family. 

16 comments:

  1. So very sad :(
    Will a necropsy be done to determine cause of death?

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  2. I am so sorry! i am very sad to read about Misha's death, and i only loved her from afar; you all who had the pleasure of interacting with her in person must really be devastated. Thank you for having shown her such kindness and freedom in her last too few weeks.

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  3. my heart is broken. i loved watching her on cam while she wsa at WCV and i know we were all so excited she got such a great "forever" home. she was a blessed little bear to have such special people taking such great care of her. i know you all are devastated at your loss. you loved her so much and so well in such a short period of time. i'm sorry her "forever" was so short. thank you for all you did for this sweet one. My prayers are with you.

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  4. I am so sorry to hear about Misha's loss. I am so glad that you were there for her and that she knew she was loved. I do hope that you get an answer as to what happened. Misha now joins other little ones (Malino, Hope, Sarah, etc.) at the Rainbow Bridge....run free, little bear, run free!

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  5. I am so sorry to hear of sweet Misha's passing and I know you wonderful folks are simply devastated. Amazing how that precious cub crept into our hearts so quickly. I, too, followed her on WCV's webcam and was thrilled when IEAS offered her a permanent home. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time. RIP, sweet Misha.

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear this. I pray that whatever the cause, that she went quickly. Bless you for taking her in.

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  7. I was sorry to learn about Misha's death but I wanted to thank IEAS for giving her a home. At least her last weeks were spent in a good, caring place with people who knew how to care for her properly. Those of us who follow Wildlife Center of Virginia became very attached to her and were thrilled when we learned she had a home with IEAS. Thank you for taking care of Misha. At least she knew care, comfort and love in her last days. That's all anyone can ask....

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  8. I am heartbroken over the news of Misha's death, so I can't even begin to imagine how you must feel. Thank you for making her last days on Earth wonderful. May Misha run free over the Rainbow Bridge forever.

    Maureen

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  9. Just learned of Misha's accident...necropsy performed? So saddened to learn of little sweet Misha's unexpected death. Deepest heartfelt sympathy to all lives she touched with such joy... Farewell sweet little one...sweet Misha xo <3 :'( her life was too short...

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  10. So sad to hear of the loss of this special, little bear. Thank you for providing her with love, attention and a wonderful place to live for the short time she was there. We all grieve over the loss of God's special gift.

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  11. A few months ago, a little brown bear entered my life. Though I never got to meet her face to face, I did get to hear her little cry for attention. We heard her story and immediately became attached to this little bear with the light-colored fur. We looked up info on Syrian bears and found that she could grow to be a really big bear!! Her beginning was a sad one and she no doubt had never known about being a real bear. One day our hopes came true that a home was found for this little bear, a place where she could learn to live as near as possible like a wild bear. Through the goodness of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, International Exotic Animal Sanctuary and some very generous friends of Ed Clark's with a plane, the little brown bear was lifted into the clouds and flown to Texas. She was introduced to more room than she probably every knew existed, a tub with water, trees - really tall trees that she could climb and look out at the world around her, and she won the hearts of many people who cared so much for her. We watched video of the plane trip and were told when the plane touched down and when she arrived at her ne home. For the first time, we felt this was indeed a lucky little bear and would be able to live the rest of her life in a home surrounded by those who loved her. We were given updates and saw pictures of the little bear, who was named Misha, as she explored her new surroundings. We read about all the other animals that were now part of her family. Then one day, the horrible news came tha t Misha was found in her tub, dead, following some bad storms. We may never know what took little Misha so early, but through tears I am so thankful that she was able to live like a true bear for the short time she had. She touched so many hearts, we smiled, laughed and cried as we learned about her beginning and her end. I will miss you Misha but you will always be in my heart as the beautiful little light-colored bear who taught me to live each day as though it could be my last and to live life with a heart full of love. Misha - it was an honor to have known you.

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  12. So very sorry for the loss. I can only imagine your grief. My heart goes out to all who were privileged to be her caregivers. :( <3

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  13. MVK expresses it all... we loved Misha, thought she was the cutest, feistiest, and most adorable bear. I am so very sad; it is a great loss to us all, I just hope she didn't suffer at the end. Thank you IEAS for taking care of her and giving her a chance to see what life was really about, as a young bear embarking on her new life. RIP, Misha, you are a beautiful girl.

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