IN MEMORY OF LAURA PUTZKE

Laura A. Putzke, 45, of Bozeman, Montana passed away January 25, 2005 in Columbus, Texas. Cancer struck her for a second time.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Putzke of Bozeman, her parents Donald and Katherine (Cleveland) Hawkes, brothers Donald Hawkes, Jr., David Hawkes, sisters Brenda Hawkes, and Pam Swindell, all of Dayton, Texas; brother Douglas Hawkes of Riverside, California; and sister Kathy Poole of Columbus, Texas.

She was born November 30, 1959 in Victoria, Texas. She graduated from Dayton High School. Later, while living in a Houston apartment complex, she met Robert Putzke, her upstairs neighbor. They were married in 1992. Their lives revolved around one another and they were seldom apart.

In 1993, Laura and Robert moved to Nagadoches, Texas where they worked at Steven F. Austin State University, Laura in the Speech and Hearing Clinic. They moved to Bozeman in 2004 where they both worked at Montana State University. Although she had only been working for one month when diagnosed, the MSU community overwhelmed her with their support and continues to do so with Robert.

While Laura enjoyed camping, canoeing, and quilting, her greatest passion was Beagles. She opened her heart and home to Beagles and honorary Beagles that were at risk and loved them until they could be properly re-homed. At times, Robert and Laura would have as many as twenty beagles in their home, waiting for the right forever home. Laura was a member of multiple Beagle email groups including Arooooo, houndrescue.com, SOS Beagle Rescue, CUR, FriendsOfCockers, and I-BARC.

The depth of their love and respect for Laura was made plainly evident upon hearing of her death. Robert was deeply moved by the outpouring of support from members of these groups. Here is a sampling of their posts:

• Life has been an amazingly positive experience for her, and she made it so for others.
• For anyone who has a Beagle she rescued, cherish them as they have been touched by an angel. Both worlds, of human and beagle, have suffered a loss with her passing and many tears will be shed on her behalf. Persistent, strong, and stoic to the end, she acted in way that does honor to the breed she loved.
• My deepest sympathy for loss of a very special person....I didn't know her except from the list, but her accomplishments...her passions for the small hounds....were spoken of by everyone who knew her.
• People who do rescue are incredible...they act with a passion that is lost to so many and speak for, as well as defend, those who have no voice. It takes a special person to give of themselves in this way. She was one of those people.

In honor of Laura’s memory donations may be made to Houndrescue.com or the animal rescue organization of your choice.

The breed will miss her…as will all who knew her.

Here are some of Laura's Hound Rescue success stories: Max and Maggie, Daisy and Freckles, Lyka, DB, Maddie, and Winston.

How to Donate

Hound Rescue can accept payment by cash or check. For payment by check, please make the check out to Hound Rescue c/o Cynthia Finley and note LAURA PUTZKE in the memo box.

Please mail your donation to Hound Rescue, c/o Cynthia Finley, 3612 Lansing Ave., Columbia, MO 65201.

NOTE: Donations to Hound Rescue are not currently tax-deductible. We will update the website when we earn 501c3 non-profit status.