Sarah Dykstra sounded like a kind soul with a big heart. Sarah, who operated Eastern Shore Veterinary Hospital near Laurel, with her husband John Dykstra, a fellow veterinarian, died Monday morning from injuries she suffered Sunday afternoon after being hit by an SUV while jogging.
The Dykstras had operated their business for more than a decade, and the news of Sarah Dykstra's death was particularly difficult for office manager Kathy Robinson, who has worked for them for 13 years.
"I can't express how wonderful she was," Robinson told News Journal reporter Terri Sanginiti on Monday. Sarah was the mother of three children, ages 3, 5 and 10.
Her heart also was always open to animals of all kinds, Robinson said.
"We've got so many strays here that she couldn't put to sleep," she said. "If a stray was hurt, we'd keep it, no matter the expense. She just loved animals."
If you're inclined, a contribution to a local animal shelter would be a fitting way to remember someone who cared so much.
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10 comments:
Dr. Sarah Dykstra is a wonderful person and will be missed by many in our community. She was an inspiration to my children about how to treat their pets and was a comforting soul when our dogs died. She will never be forgotten and our prayers are with John and the children.
Sarah has been my vet since I moved to Southern Delaware three years ago, from Mclean, Virginia. My dogs are my children, thus, it has always been crucial for me to have total faith in my their doctor.
Sarah Dykstra was extraordinary. My big dogs could not be placed on a table for evaluation, so Sarah would spend our visits on the floor, crouched or seated. Sarah was very serine, sweet, humble, and extremely knowledgeable. She would answer each of my endless questions with sensitive care. She always took a long quiet time to simply experience my pets at their level. She treated my dogs with deep respect and tolerated all of their silly antics. She was just so good and kind. I will miss her graceful dignity and thoughtful care of my animals.
In one careless moment, a young, off duty policeman, sped off the road, struck Sarah and sent her body ninety feet, causing fatal injury. Her promising life, marriage, motherhood, professional career and inspirational contribution to our community were stolen by thoughtless haste.
The next moment is not promised to anyone. May this sad event remind each of us to avoid the regret of leaving unexpressed, any feelings of love, gratitude, and care.
I was one of Sarah's classmates in highschool, and I just received the news thru an email from Proctor Academy. Though we weren't close friends, we did say hello to each other quite often and I always thought she was a very nice person. And after reading other peoples comments about the warm-hearted contributions Sarah has made in her life, I'm feeling great sadness at this moment for both Sarah, her family, and all those in the community who loved her and appreciated the work she's done. Sarah will be missed.
Dr. Dykstra was my go-to girl for the care of my animals. It was a privilege for my dogs to be in her care, and I am thankful I was able to tell her I thought she was the world's best vet when we saw her. We will miss her deeply.
Your comments about Dr. Sarah Dykstra were touching. My husband and I happened to go to Delmar on Saturday and we passed by the animal hospital where she worked. It was sad to think about how much had been lost.
Sarah and John were my classmates in vet school. I last saw them 3 years ago at our 10 year reunion in Prince Edward Island. I had the pleasure of seeing them with their 3 beautiful children and remember thinking how absolutely serene and lovely Sarah was in her role as mother. When I knew her in school, I thought she was as beautiful inside as she was outside and, as I sit here typing, adjectives like kind, graceful (but goofy), funny, intelligent, sweet, accepting, and thoughtful, tumble from my fingers without hesitation.
I am at a loss for words, however, to express my feelings of sadness and horror and anger for this wonderful life being cut short and for the devastation that this young family is now experiencing.
Our vet school "family" will never be the same without Sarah. She will not be forgotten because our memories of her will stay with each and every one of us.
I hope that when the children are old enough to hear it, we will all have the opportunity to share with them how much their mother was loved and respected by all who knew her.
Sarah was my roommate in High School. I feel so lucky to have known her. My heart goes out to John and the children. I know donations are to go to the local humane society, i would love to get the address to send in a donation in her memory if anyone has it. Sarah will be sorely missed in Seaford, as well as here at proctor. She was such a great person!! She will be missed but not forgotten!
I checked with the funeral home that handled the arrangements for Sarah's services, and no specific cause was designated for donations. The nearest pet organization would be the Delaware SPCA, 326 S. Dupont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947. A woman at the funeral home suggested pet-related contributions in Sarah's name would be a fitting way to remmember her.
i was just a babysitter and i know how well she did with the animals having 4 dogs and 4 cats at home! She was an awesome lady and still is just now shes in heaven so thank you guys for doing this she will be so happy up in heaven thank you guys!
I am deeply saddened by this tragedy that has taken place to this innocent life - Dr. Sarah Dykstra. It touches my heart deeply not only because I take my pets to her veterinary hospital but that 3 young children will be raised up with only memories of their mother! I pray that her husband and children will be encouraged daily and will move on in life with great expectations! May the peace God be with the whole entire family even the staff that works for her at the hospital!
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