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In Memory of Trina Bellak
Trina had been battling breast cancer for sometime.
Sadly May 2006 our beloved Trina,
the founder of ADHF lost her battle. Her friends and supporters wanted to share just how she had inspired and touched us all. Trina will be missed
BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!
 
Second photo taken of Trina at a national conference - July 2001
To my sister- "The Horse Whisperer"
To my wonderful younger and only sister, and only aunt of my only child,
I salute you in your determination and years of endless hours devoting
your heart and soul to breeding horses, and to making amazing strides,
protecting thousand's of horses. The continuation of your organization
lives on in your memory. You did for the horses what they could not
do for themselves, you were their protector and guardian for the past
28 years of your life, although you only lived to age 47. The horse came
before anything else in your life since you were a child.
When I look at my daughter I see you. Although you did not have any
children of your own, it is as if even though your horse's were your
children such as Eros, Dina my daughter lives mirroring your appearance
and gestures.
Losing you has caused me as well as my daughter to loose part of our
souls. Our mom, lost her life shortly after you lost yours. There are no
coincidences.
If the horses could speak, they would say thank you.
We love you and miss you,
Karola K. Bellak Adams
Kathleen Schwartz / Days End Farm Horse Rescue
Lisbon, MD
Comments:
Trina and I have been friends for a number of years and as in true friendship on many occasions we agreed to disagree.
The one thing we both always agreed on was man's or women's inhumanity to the Horse and that we would both continue to
do what we could to make horses lives better in whatever way we could. With the passing of Trina, the horses have lost a
true crusader. My condolences to her friends and family. Please know she was very well respected within her industry and
will be greatly missed.
Barry D. Friedman
Dahlonega, Ga
Comments:
Trina is an inspiration and role model for everyone who cares about horses and other animals. Her day was not complete
until she was satisfied that she had done everything humanly possible to protect horses. While she cared about animals,
she also cared about people, and was a wonderful friend. There are so many reasons to miss Trina. May her memory be a
blessing for all who knew her and for all who will persevere on behalf of her humanitarian mission.
Jody & Bruce Thisted
Amboy, MN
Comments:
Our deepest sympathies to Trina's family.
Barbara Warner
Lebanon, KY
Comments:
The world has lost a true advocate for horses and burros-both wild and domestic. Trina bravely fought for them and against
cancer. She was so dedicated she even took phone calls when she hardly had the breath to speak and could no longer send
messages by computer. We must continue in her memory but she will be terribly missed. It was a priviledge to be associated
with her.
Marilyn Wilson
Valley, Wa.
Comments:
I didn't know Trina, but when I read what a wonderful person she was and what a great animal advocate she was,
I sure wish I could have known her. I pray she's at peace and helping us continue her fight for the horses.
Kimberly Ann Johnson, Attorney, AHDF Arkansas State Coordinator
Yellville, AR
Comments:
Dear Trina, what a sad day, you will be missed. Why does it seem like those who try hard, and are wonderful decent people are
those we loose too soon? Why? You have done so much work for the horses, and I hope we can all continue on and contribute to
the plight of the horses in our country. My prayers are with your family, as this must be horrible for them. Kimberly Ann Johnson,
Attorney.
Nancy Perry
Washington, DC
Comments:
I was so shocked and so sad to hear the news of Trina's passing. Trina was a dear, sweet, good, and generous person.
Her passion and her zeal were infectious. Personally, it is awful to lose her as a colleague and a friend. Professionally,
we will feel this loss every day as we continue working for animal protection. I can only hope her example will inspire
thousands of others to join in this fight. This is what I sent out to our entire staff at HSUS: Our former colleague and
our friend, Trina Bellak, passed away this last Sunday. I know that many of you worked with Trina at The HSUS and then
followed her continuing efforts to protect horses when she formed the American Horse Defense Fund. She remained steadfast
in her work to combat all forms of equine abuse, even against long odds. I worked with Trina over the last several years
on the Hill on the horse slaughter issue and other efforts. Trina had an intense desire to see horses receive the protections
they so deserve and so desperately need. She never lost her nerve nor her incredible energy in this fight -- her enthusiastic
attitude and bold advocacy will be missed as we continue on with those efforts. This sad reminder of the short time we're given
on earth makes me resolve to redouble our efforts on behalf of all animals. I shall pass this way but once; Any good therefore
that I can do, Or any kindness that I can show to Any fellow living creature, let me do it now.
"Let me not defer or neglect it,
For I shall not pass this way again." -Etienne De Grellet
Beth Sawyers
Sterling, Illinois
Comments:
I am so sorry to hear of Trina's passing.She was very kind to me and ask for me to be a representitive from here in
Illinois but due to my own bad health this past year i find myself unable to keep up with most things.I give to her family
my deepest sympothy and know that she was and is a HERO in our fight to save the horses.She worked in this fight tirelessly
like our other fallen Hero, Mary Nash and this year we will get HR503 passed in honner of them.They will be greatly missed
and it was an honer to have known them. Sincerely, Beth in Illinois
Sinikka Crosland
Westbank, B.C.
Comments:
We have lost a staunch, committed advocate and a great friend of the horses. It is fitting that our work to abolish
horse slaughter (on both sides of the border)be unified and strong. Trina will be with us in spirit until these goals
have been achieved.
Tammy Craven, Founder Canyon Creek Farm Horse Rescue Southern California State Coordiantor, AHDF
Acton, CA
Comments:
As the Southern California State Coordinator for the American Horse Defense Fund, I was honored to take this position last
year after working closely with founder, Trina Bellak. Today I am shocked, and saddened. We have lost a fighter, a supporter,
and most importantly a friend. We will continue to fight for the issues. If indeed there is a heaven, we might find peace in
knowing that our angel for the horses now guides us from above.
Ariana H
oakland, ca
Comments:
I knew Trina from HSUS, and I can honestly say that she was the among the sweetest, kindest-natured persons I have ever known.
She was wonderful. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. I had always assumed she would be around forever to keep
an eye on the horses and to make me laugh with her upbeat yet steadfast determination that she maintained against the odds.
Unlike so many of us who work for years in the animal protection field, she never developed that sense of bitterness at the
seeming futility that comes from seeing so much animal suffering. She really had a heart of gold, and I can scarcely imagine
the world of horse protection without Trina. I will always think of her with fondness in my heart.
Toni Moore
Fruita, CO
Comments:
I met Trina about 10 years ago and have known her as a tireless advocate for wild horses as well as domestic equids.
She worked 24/7 for domestic animals to be treated humanely and for wildlife to remain free and wild in their natural habitat.
Trina's legislative knowledge, passion for justice, and intense focus on whatever project was at hand was an inspiration to
advocates worldwide. She will be missed personally and professionally. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those closest to Trina.
We will miss her, she always fought the good fight. Toni Moore Colorado Wild Horse and Burro Coalition.
Ellen-Cathryn Nash
Hoboken, NJ
Comments:
Trina was an incredible force for the horses. Like Mary S. Nash, I am greatly saddened that we were not able to get horse
slaughter ended, and our mustangs protected before her passing. God Bless You Trina, Elle
Teresa Nolen Pratt
Knoxville, TN
Comments:
I am so sad to hear this news. My heartfelt sympathies to the family and those who were close to her.
I started a stop horse slaughter blog on my own(http://stophorseslaughter.blogspot.com)
when I found out about this issue and have been introduced, albeit from afar, to a lot of truly wonderful people
who really care about having a more humane world--who care that these types of ugly and completely culturally incongruous
activities do not go unnoticed. I am so terribly sorry for her loss. I wish I had more words...
Lana Lehr
Bethesda, MD
Comments:
Many horses and burros await you at the bridge to carry you home. Fly with Pegasus, now. You earned it.
Peter
frederick, md
Comments:
Shocked and saddened at the news of Trina's passing, I thought fondly of her often after leaving The HSUS in 1997,
missing her broad smile, her never ending energy, her commitment to animals, and her love for life. We shared great times!
She will continue to bring a smile to my face when I pause during my day and again think of all the times we shared together.
Rest in peace baby!
Pa
Phoenix, AZ
Comments:
Whild I never met her in person, I was inspired by her intelligence and dedication to the cause of stopping horse slaughter
in America. We can only honor her by emulating her belief in never giving up on the fight to stop horse slaughter once and
for all times in America.
Deborah Salem
Comments:
How very unfair it is to lose Trina in the midst of the struggle to end horse slaughter nationwide. She would certainly want
us to press on, but the victory, when it comes, will be bittersweet without Trina here to celebrate with us. My sincere
condolences to her family. Deborah Salem
Craig DiBenedictis
Brick, NJ
Comments:
The first time I met Trina was at a house in Maryland where AHDF was having a gathering. I walked in the front door
late and saw a group of people gathered in a room listening to a speaker. I thought, "What energy and enthusiasm this
woman has!" It was Trina: focused, intense, and optimistic about our eventual success in the cause for horses. I lost
touch with Trina in recent years, but I feel the loss of her presence in our cause.
Neda DeMayo
Lompoc, CA
Comments:
Trina was one of the most generous people I have encountered. She was generous with her time , her information and her spirit.
She always wanted to create a platform for all the various horse advocates and organizations to work together.
The past year there were times she took phone calls when she probably needed to rest. I suspect she will still be helping the
horses with great enthusiasm. Tireless , generous and optimistic is how I will remember her.
Marcia Moss
Shepherdsville, Ky
Comments:
I never had the honor to meet Trina but she was such a big help to me when I first started my rescue 2 years ago. We have lost a
true champion for our horses and she will be greatly missed as a friend.
Stoler Family
Comments:
I look at Trina's (of blessed memory) smiling face in this picture and it seems as if it was yesterday that we were sitting
next to each other. We knew Trina when she lived in Gaithersburg, Maryland and attended synagogue at Chabad of Upper Montgomery
County on a weekly basis. We met Trina in the fall of 1997 when the synagogue first opened at its current "new" location. It
was an unexpected coincidence that before we met Trina for the first time in person, we had actually met her 2 days earlier
by phone when she contacted my office for a business matter. We came to know Trina quite well as a friend during the period
she lived in Gaithersburg and attended Chabad. We also had the opportunity to meet Trina's mother, her sister, her niece,
and a couple of her good friends when they came to visit her in Gaithersburg. Trina cared for her family and friends dearly.
We remember her as taking care of her mother who was wheelchair bound and looking out for her sister, niece and friends.
Trina was a very spiritual person, and one of her most treasured possessions was a prayer book she received from a good friend.
We traded vegetarian recipes with Trina, and we learned about an aspect of life which was previously very unfamiliar to us--horses,
of course. We know Trina worked as a dedicated and capable attorney and for causes that she felt passionate about. At one point
she was leading a group of active senior citizens at the Jewish Community Center in Rockville, Maryland in their political action
activities. For a while she took an assignment dealing with power companies in Richmond, Virginia. She would drive 2 hours there
and 2 hours back each day. We remember when she spoke to us about her idea to begin a non-profit organization. We remember when
she moved to nearby Potomac, Maryland and when she called to tell us she was packing up to move all the way to Hawaii. We
remember Trina for her smile and for always having a very optimistic and positive outlook on life and for the genuine care and
concern and dedication she had for her family, friends and causes she held dear in life. We lost touch with Trina shortly after
she moved to Hawaii, unfortunately. We were shocked to "read" that Trina had passed away, but from this website's memorialization
we understand that Trina managed to accomplish "big" things in her short time in this world to help make this world a better,
kinder place. We send our sincere condolences to Trina's family. (We hope they will receive our condolences. We do not know how
to contact them other than through this website.) As is said according to our Jewish tradition, "May you be comforted among the
mourners of Zion and Jerusalem."
Debra Burger
Waldorf, MD
Comments:
Our prayers and thoughts go out to Trina's Family. I just heard the sad news. I first met Trina years ago,when I headed a
PVDA Chapter, outside of D.C. Trina, hosted a meeting and gave a speech on equine slaughter and transportation in the early
90's. Not many knew of this atrocity. Even today, many non horse people know about horse slaughter. I would say that Trina
was the MOST EFFECTIVE ACTIVIST OUT THERE, TRING TO CHANGE LEGISLATION. WHAT A TREMENDOUS LOSS. I had contacted Trina on a
Breeding Stallion, that she once, owned. We have stayed in touch over the years, as her organization grew and she relocated
to Hawaii. She will be sorely missed. Please let us know, if we can be of any help. We will be on the hill Sept. 5. Trina,
may you rest in peace with all the gentle souls that have passed on. God Bless Debra Trina, was truely at the forefront of
equine legislation.
Howard Edelstein
Silver Spring, MD
Comments:
Trina’s passing is a major loss to the animal movement and to all mankind. She was a wonderful person, and a
tireless advocate for the animals. It was a pleasure knowing her. She will be dearly missed.
Sandra LaCoss
Hobart, In
Comments:
What A Horrible Loss For Our Equine Population And The world to Lose Such A Wonderful, Special Human Being like Trina Bellak!!
We Must Not Let Her Down, We Must Continue To Fight For Our Precious Horses and her. I feel Very, Very Sorry for Trinas Family.
Ellen A.
CA
Comments:
I never met Tina, I admire her struggle to save horses from slaughter. You could feel her passion in her e-mails and website.
My heart goes out to her family...
Angela M. Clifton
Eagleville, TN
Comments:
I personally have meet this profound woman back in 2005 when I joined her on Capital Hill. Her compassion, drive and
knowledge was amazing. She really knew her stuff!!!! I hope and pray that someone close to her will carry on her ambition.
Just like her, horses have been my life and my day to day relief. I hope to someday be able to help in rescuing horses as well.
My sincere condolences goes out to EVERYONE who worked close to this amazing woman and to her family. Sincerely, Angela M. Clifton
Becky Montanya-Davis
Oak Harbor, WA
Comments:
While I never met Trina in person, I spoke with her originally back in 2000 when she was starting AHDF and was looking for
State Coordinators. He passion for what she believed in was incredible. Over the years, I have spoke to Trina many times
via the phone and e-mail, and had the utmost respect for her. The world has lost a wonderful person.
Terry Watt
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Comments:
SAFELY HOME I am home in heaven, dear ones; All's so happy, all's so bright! There's perfect joy and beauty In this
everlasting light. All the pain and grief are over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely
home in heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the Valley of the Shade? Oh, but Jesus' love illumined Every
dark and fearful glade! And He came Himself to meet me On the way so hard to tread; And with Jesus' arm to lean on, Could
I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's will. There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idle stand; Do your work while life
remaineth-- You shall rest in Jesus' land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you home; Oh, the rapture of the
meeting! Oh, the joy to see you come! (author unknown) Trina: one of the most dedicated people I knew, taken from us too soon. Terry
Barbara Anne Dunn
Canadian ,OK
Comments:
Since the day almost 6 years ago when you called, and let me know you wanted to use the poem, "My Horse's Wish",
for the offical poem of the AHDF--we have been long-distance friends. We shared the bond of the love of the horse,
and the appreciation of the finely written word as an artform. I only wish that you had been granted the time to publish
those unpublished manuscripts before you had to go. I believe that Mary Frye's beautiful poem best honors the legacy which
you leave to us all... Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that
shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die. © 1932 Mary Frye May you ride with the
wind at your back, my friend... Barbara Anne Dunn
Thomas Lee Trevino
Crossville, Il
Comments:
Im so sorry to hear this news I am so saden that we have lost Mary Nash and now Trina Bellak she will be very much missed her
accomplishments will not be forgotten. She was a true person who followed her heart. So many people are regulated and moderated
on what we say in this world but she stayed strong on her beliefs My prayers are with her family and friends and that the lord
will answer her questions and prayers and give her peace at last.
Kelly Young
York, PA
Comments:
I was standing with a horse today that we were trying to save from slaughter when I learned the news of Trina's death,
I was floored and still cannot believe it, Trina I thought of you today all day while standing with these beautiful creatures
who have no voice, but Trina you gave them a voice, you stood up for them and we owe it to you to keep the fight, I heard a
song today that said :"I will not back down, I'll stand my ground" that was you my dear friend and I am going to miss you so
very much. I love you. Kelly
Antoinette Smith
Bridgeport, TX
Comments:
I knew Trina personally. I'll never forget the kindness and compassion she showed me when I lost my mother a few years ago.
I visited Capitol Hill with her and witnessed how well thought of she was there, which impressed me even more. She was always
kind and generous to me and a pleasure to serve the horses with. May she rest in peace and receive her full reward.
James Newberry
Poolesville, MD
Comments:
I just recently learned that Trina had passed away from reading the Equiery. I once accompanied Trina on one of her lobbying
trips. She was real pro at it. A very fine person. Truly sad.
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