Our pets are incredible, aren’t they? These small (or not so small!) creatures bring so much comfort, joy, laughter, and unconditional love to our lives. Those of us who work in animal welfare love to hear updates from adopters on how their adopted pets are doing – how they’re fitting into the family, how they’re relaxing and letting their personalities shine. And most of all, we love when adopters tell us how their pets have impacted their lives. Because how could they not, right? All of us are better, more whole humans because we have loved and been affected by our pets. Often times, it’s not just us who our pets have an impact on – it’s our whole community. And that’s the story of Margene and Toto.
After not having a dog for a number of years, Margene and her husband, Alan, decided that it was time to add a canine companion to their home again. Margene came to Lawrence Humane to meet some adoptable dogs and immediately fell in love with a Cairn Terrier/Yorkie mix who was a bit reserved. Margene brought the 9-month old pup home and he became known to everyone as, “Toto.”
Over the course of his life, Toto not only became a major part of Margene and Alan’s lives, but he also became a well-known member of the Lawrence community. Toto loved being around people and Margene could see how Toto’s presence brought others happiness and amusement. Toto became a certified therapy dog and through the Visiting Nurses Association, he and Margene became quite the dynamic duo! For six years, Toto and Margene visited older adults residing in independent living and nursing homes, provided connection to those living in memory care facilities, and offered companionship and comfort for individuals in hospice, along with their families. Toto knew exactly what each situation called for – whether it was to sit on someone’s lap and offer snuggles or give high-fives, twirl, and do the Cha-Cha with Margene to make folks laugh!
Toto became popular around Lawrence for his funny and healing demeanor. He was featured in the newspaper numerous times, had his own calendar spread, and was a crowd favorite at community events. Toto lived the kind of love-filled life we wish for all animals until he passed away earlier this year at the ripe old age of 16 and a half.
It is in Toto’s honor that we have an incredible opportunity to share with you!
In memory of her beloved Toto, Margene has offered to match all gifts made between now and November 24, up to $7,500! This means that your donation will be doubled and will go twice as far in helping us find homes for deserving pets and allow them to also make an impact on their families and in our community.
Not only did Toto reduce stress and lower blood pressure, but he also gave folks who were experiencing difficult situations a reason to laugh and experience joy. He offered companionship to those who were lonely. And he provided comfort in times of great sadness. Toto’s impact on members of our community was truly immeasurable.
But if not for the community’s support of Lawrence Humane, Toto might never have had the opportunity to help so many people. Would you be willing to make a gift that is meaningful to you at this time so it can be matched in Toto’s honor?
As supporters of Douglas County’s only animal shelter, you help us change thousands of lives every year and we couldn’t do any of it without you!
Please know that every gift is appreciated and will go towards making sure that EVERY animal who comes through our doors has the same opportunity for the kind of loving forever home and impactful life that Toto had.
We are so grateful for your support! We care for 7,000+ animals every single year and we cannot do it without the generosity of folks like you! All of us at Lawrence Humane feel thankful every day for our caring, supportive community. Thank you for all you do for the animals of Douglas County!
Pet Resource Center: 9am-6pm, every day
1805 E. 19th Street
Lawrence, KS 66046
(785) 843-6835
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