Keeping the Human-Animal Connection Going!

From an early age, Becky was introduced to the positive impact of donating to a nonprofit. Her parents were immigrants, and they were forever grateful to be living in the US. Her childhood allowance was divided between donations and purchases, and Becky recalls saving coins to put in the Red Cross and United Way envelopes at school. This began her lifelong journey of supporting nonprofits and those in need.

Becky also grew up amidst pets, so nonprofits celebrating the human-animal connection became her focus when she became an adult. Her first dog came from the shelter in Tucson, Arizona - a lab greyhound mix named 'Judy.' Becky became certified with Pet Partners (then Delta Society), and she and 'Judy' made visits to juvenile prisons, schools and nursing homes. A move to Portland, Oregon, brought 'Seabrook' into her life, when she and her husband adopted the career-changed yellow lab from Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Wanting to continue a tradition of sharing her pets with others, she now lives in a small town south of Missoula, Montana, and Seabrook is joined by two young rats named Zena and Gabby who Becky hopes to register as therapy animals. She knows what a tremendous benefit animals like 'Judy,' 'Seabrook,' 'Gabby' and 'Zena,' bring to people, and hopes to always share "The Power of the Paw" with people in need of comfort or connection.

Living in a small town lets Becky and her husband Doug contribute to several non-profits and see the difference even a few hundred dollars makes. Each Thanksgiving they jointly decide which charitable organizations to support, and they donate 1% of their net worth. Nonprofits including Pet Partners have benefitted by these outright contributions and keeps the couple in touch with the organization's current needs. Becky has taken an additional step of generosity by including Pet Partners in their estate plan, through their will. Pets have given her so much enjoyment, that it feels right to support Pet Partners even after she's gone.

Over three decades ago, therapy animal visits with 'Judy' in Arizona touched Becky and motivated her to reach out to people in need. Now her legacy gift to Pet Partners will continue to make a positive difference for others in the future.