| Kathleen “Katy” Flanagan September 19, 1950 – December 31, 2019 A Labor of Love |
| Everyone has a “Katy story” and they all speak of the outdoors, her love for Alaskan Malamutes, and quality. Moonsong Malamute Rescue’s story really begins with Katy. Together with Lynn and Brian Murdoch, Katy’s early efforts to help launch this incredible organization stemmed from her desire to create a unique entity of quality and integrity. She recognized that a clear and unique name and “brand” would be required to allow the organization to truly thrive. So, after the 501.c.3 was filed, a board was named, bylaws and articles of incorporation were drafted, Katy told Lynn: “This must be what it’s like to give birth!” Indeed, Katy gave birth to Moonsong and, as president, began the process of building. She built the protocols to screen both dogs and people for their potential as adoptees/adopters/foster homes. She was boots on the ground assisting with puppy mills, abandoned mals and touching the lives of countless dogs. She charted vet care, arranged for transports, searched for runners and rescued from unthinkable situations. She put thousands of miles on her vehicles transporting dogs to better homes and raised money for veterinary care. The network of dogs adopted and fostered, and friends and colleagues she made doing this unpaid labor of love continued to be a huge part of her life to her final days. Moonsong is what it is today, in large part, because of Katy’s unfailing commitment to the hundreds (thousands?) of dogs she helped and her insistence that we do it right. Katy’s two dogs, Aspen and Shasta, were the models for Moonsong’s original logo. She and friend/graphic artist Beth Workman worked tirelessly until they got it just right and it has represented Moonsong for the past many years. |
 |
 |
| Her signature could be seen on everything Moonsong did. The website was full of information about her beloved mals and her perfectionism could be seen in every posting, every description, every photo. Katy’s final gift to Moonsong was the completion of the Happy Tails calendar published in 2020. She was determined to see that last project through, an example of her resiliency and determination in the face of her personal challenges. The calendar had 12 gorgeous photos of Moonsong alumni and to this day provides an important annual fund raiser for the organization. A lifelong photography enthusiast, Katy had a unique ability to catch the perfect shot as her beloved mals performed their foolishness for her and they enjoyed the camaraderie of being kindred spirits. |
 |
 |
| Her love of the outdoors provided untold adventures, including a successful climb to the summit of Denali, skijoring, a dream visit to Mission Wolf Sanctuary and back country camping. Katy and her husband, Gary, built Mountain Visions, a lifetime partnership dedicated to environmental awareness, education and preservation of wild places. |
 |
 |
| “Katy inspired her friends to experience the natural world up close on hands and knees, by foot, ski, and canoe. She captured many shared and solo adventures and moments of joy and beauty with her ever-present cameras whether in the back-yard garden, on mountain, forest and desert terrain, or paddling the still and moving waterways of the west. She modeled doing difficult but important things and we benefited from her perspective, dedication and willingness to share her life with us.”(Beth Workman, Jane Crosby 2019 Memorial) |
 |
