Stephanie Abbott
We are saddened to share the news that one of our exceptional foster parents has passed away.
Stephanie Abbott fostered several pugs since joining the Pug Rescue of Austin family in 2019, and most recently fostered our honorary pug, Ivy, a French Bulldog who needed a lot of extra TLC. Stephanie helped nurse Ivy back to health, giving her around-the-clock care and providing a loving home.
It’s an honor to be a part of Stephanie’s legacy and we are grateful for the opportunity to save more dogs in her memory.
Stephanie “Steff” Faith Abbott passed away unexpectedly on April 1, 2021 in Wimberley, Texas. Born April 12, 1956 in Jasper, Indiana, she grew up in Otwell, graduating from Jasper High in 1974. Steff often stated, “a kid couldn’t ask for a better place to grow up- we got to play out in the countryside all day long.”
As an AFA Certified Farrier for over 25 years, Steff was a tough-as-nails gal who could train, show, ride, and shoe horses; she was also a kind, selfless, beautiful soul. She had a passion for canine rescue, saving many dogs over the years, primarily French Bulldogs. Before finding what became her lifelong passion as a farrier, Steff had many jobs from exercising polo ponies and organizing celebrity team penning events in California to driving a horse-drawn carriage in Colorado. Her life revolved around her love for horses and dogs.
She was predeceased by her mother Billy Jean Buchta Abbott, her adoptive father Lyndon Ray Abbott, and beloved horses and dogs. Steff is survived by siblings Aaron Lee Abbott (Debbie) (Indiana), Kyra Lynn Abbott Rose (D.J.) (Florida), niece Jeannie Rose Stark (Florida), aunt Mary Alice “Mousie” Buchta Ashby (Indiana), horse Tony, Frenchies Rosie, Millie, foster Ivy, and legions of human, equine, and canine friends.
We are grateful Stephanie passed in the company of friends who loved her dearly and doing what she loved, preparing to shoe a crippled, old equine friend.
Everyone is welcome to a Celebration of Life for Stephanie on Sunday, April 25, 2021, 1:00 at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center, 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to causes close to Stephanie’s heart: www.austinpugrescue.com/donate or www.shortmugsrescuesquad.org and make a note “in memory of Stephanie Abbott.”