Teresa Lenore (Caudle) Sanders
(1954 – 2015)
Teresa Lenore (Caudle) Sanders, age 61, passed away peacefully at her home in Oneonta, NY on October 24th.
Teresa was born in Birmingham, AL to E. Leon Sanders and Bobbe Henry Sanders, who survive her. Teresa is also survived by her brother, Rance Sanders (Angie), sister, Karen Sanders, nephew, Brooks Sanders, niece, Casey Sandkuhl (Simeon) and former husband and friend, Jack Caudle. She grew up in Bluff Park and attended Bluff Park Elementary School, graduated W.A. Berry High School, and attended Jacksonville State University.
After college, Teresa served as an executive and Corporate Secretary at Jefferson Title Corporation in Birmingham for 16 years where she played an instrumental role in the growth of her family’s business.
Teresa retired from corporate life to pursue her passion for raising, training, showing, rescuing, and caring for animals of all kinds. In addition to guinea pigs, fish, ferrets, flying squirrels, snakes, mice and chinchillas, Teresa had a special affinity for dogs and miniature donkeys.
She and her father founded C & S Dream Donkeys Ranch where she bred, trained and showed from an original herd of 20 miniature donkeys and 2 wonderful mules. Teresa’s beloved creatures won countless awards in shows around the United States, including recently in Shelbyville, TN despite Teresa being in declining health. She was especially proud of her final ribbons and the hard work that was given by her trainer, Justin Butts.
Teresa also gave much of her time and energy to rescuing dogs. She would transport homeless or needy dogs to rescue centers or to new homes from Mobile to Wisconsin, where they could be loved.
Teresa wanted to leave a final message:
“Everyone can do something to help save lives. You reap a wonderful feeling in your heart that God bestows on you for doing what you can to help His creatures.”
