It is with deep sadness that we share news of the death of our beloved friend and IAR Trustee, Lisa Milella. Lisa was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease eight years ago. It was a devastating blow for someone as skilled and dedicated to her work as Lisa but she coped with the challenges of this cruel condition with extraordinary courage and determination.
We will always remember Lisa for the remarkable person she was, both personally and professionally. She was highly respected in the veterinary profession as a veterinary dental specialist and was generous in sharing her knowledge and expertise with students and colleagues from all four corners of the globe. For many years she regularly visited IAR’s rescue centres to relieve the pain of animals with agonising dental conditions and teaching the local vets new veterinary dental procedures. Dancing bears whose teeth had been knocked out, diabetic orangutans suffering from tooth decay and tiny slow lorises whose teeth had been removed with nail clippers. After her diagnosis, Lisa closed her veterinary dental practice but continued to support IAR’s teams in the field with expert advice and guidance on treatments for all kinds of rescued animals. She also continued to take part in meetings of IAR’s board of Trustees throughout her illness, never as a bystander, always as an active participant, unafraid to speak her mind.
Lisa never allowed her illness to hold her back. We will remember her first and foremost, not for the debilitating illness that took her from us far too soon, but for her zest for life, her interest in people, her love of travelling and of course her dedication to helping suffering animals. Lisa also had a wonderful sense of humour. Those of us who were lucky enough to spend time with Lisa on trips abroad or closer to home will always remember her laughter and her beautiful smile.
Lisa Milella embodied so many qualities that we at IAR hold dear: strength of character, courage, kindness, compassion and a love of life. We will miss her terribly but never forget her. It has been a privilege to work with her and call her our friend.