Mariclare Haggarty, a dear friend of Equine Advocates, passed away at the age of 58 on April 9, 2013. For the past 22 years, Clare worked for the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), an organization devoted to the protection of animals.

It was through the NAVS Sanctuary Fund, which Clare managed, that Susan Wagner, President of Equine Advocates, first had the pleasure of meeting her. Over the years, she helped countless sanctuaries across the country. Since 1999, Clare has provided much-needed funding for several Equine Advocates rescue operations. In 2004, she helped fund a major rescue we were conducting of 46 Canadian PMU mares who were going to slaughter, many of whom were pregnant at the time. One of the mares was named for Clare — meet Mariclare (right).

Susan and Clare became fast friends, and we had the pleasure of having Clare as our guest here at the sanctuary many times over the years, which she always thoroughly enjoyed. Here is a really sweet photo of Clare enjoying a bit of R&R during one of those visits.

“I am devastated over the loss of my dear friend, Clare Haggarty,” said Wagner. “She was a kind, wonderfully caring person and a great advocate for animals. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Clare’s family, her friends, all of her co-workers at NAVS, and to all the people whose lives she has touched during her amazing but all-too-brief lifetime. She leaves a rich legacy, which includes her remarkable achievements with the NAVS Sanctuary Fund, which was her pride and joy. Helping animals and those who protect them, especially during emergency circumstances, was always a priority for her. Her dedication was fierce and her compassion limitless. We will miss her terribly. Clare Haggarty will remain in our hearts and memories forever.”