Tessa Gunter Humane Society to continue animal lover’s legacy
By CHRYSTALL KANYUCK
ckanyuck@bvibeacon.com

A year after arriving in the Virgin Islands as the territory’s first female jockey in 1974, Tessa Gunter had already opened the animal shelter that eventually became the BVI Humane Society. Improving animal welfare and educating the VI about animals became her life’s work, and the Humane Society will continue her mission since her death, her friends said this week.

After a struggle with cancer, Ms. Gunter died at home Saturday, a few days before her 62nd birthday.

“Tessa’s dream’s going to continue in the BVI,” said Vijay Bissoondutt, Ms. Gunter’s long-time assistant at the Humane Society. He said future plans include expanding the Humane Society’s
education efforts.

The animal shelter was run for many years with Ms. Gunter as its sole staff member, building gradually thanks to a board of directors, volunteers, donations from the public and Ms. Gunter’s personal
commitment.

“I’ve never known somebody to be so dedicated,” said Nancy Woodfield-Pascoe, a Humane Society board member and longtime volunteer at the shelter. From the beginning, Ms. Woodfield-Pascoe said, the shelter operated 365 days a year.
“It’s been a wonderful public service,” she said of the shelter and the care that Ms. Gunter often gave to sick or wounded animals.

“She had that spirit,” added Greg Gunter, who remained close friends with Ms. Gunter after their 20-year marriage ended. “If she was going to get something done, it happened. … She was a remarkable lady.”

Fond of saying that it was far better to work with animals than people, Ms. Gunter wasn’t shy about telling people how best to care for their animals.

“She put her very best efforts into saving animals, into stopping the neglect,” Mr. Bissoondutt said. “She would tell you broadly and openly.”

Ms. Gunter was also well respected in the VI for her knowledge of animals, and many residents went to the shelter to get obedience training for their pets, Ms. Woodfield-Pascoe said.

Born in Sweden, Ms. Gunter had always loved animals, especially horses. She worked in an English stable before coming to the VI as a jockey.

Ms. Gunter is survived by her daughter Jocelyn and several siblings in Sweden.

A public celebration-of-life service is scheduled to take place on the lawn at the Tamarind Club at 3 p.m. May 4.

The BVI Beacon, Thursday April 25th, Page 22.

Builders of Tortola Guide

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