Friday, September 26, 2008

Caring for the underdog (by Suzie)

          At night, as my Chihuahua sleeps at my feet, I sometimes steal a peek at Chihuahuas on the Web. I came across this photo of LeClaire Bissell, M.D., a founding member of Chihuahua Rescue and Transport. She died last month.
          What a fascinating woman she was! She pushed for women's rights and LGBT rights. She pioneered the humane treatment of drug and alcohol addiction, especially among women. The Florida Commission on the Status of Women honored her, and she won the Elizabeth Blackwell Award for her contributions to women and medicine.  She rescued injured wildlife. And she was a big supporter of Democrats, including Hillary Clinton for president, according to donation reports. "Her answering machine said, 'If you’re a Democrat, you may leave a message.' ”
           Here's more from the Island Reporter: “I think the most extraordinary thing about LeClair was that she did things because they needed to be done,” said Kate Gooderham, who knew LeClair from the local National Women’s Political Caucus. “No limelight, no applause, no kudos — she saw a need and filled it. I really admired her dedication to her beliefs. She truly put her ‘time, her treasury and her talent’ into the things she cared about.” 
          May women like this inspire us all.