Letter to the Editor in purple lettering on envelope

Please make time to look at the Facebook pages for No Pawz Left Behind and for the Ashland County Dog Shelter.

Familiarize yourself with the incredible work that No Pawz Left Behind is doing, and its immediate need for funding for medical care for dogs who have been left behind, who are strays, who have been abused, who have been hit by cars and left alongside roads, who are dying.

What Can We Do Immediately?

This is a photo of DIana Spore’s emotional support dog, Sandra Elizabeth Spore, who
passed away a little over a year ago due to medical problems.

 Make a financial donation to No Pawz Left Behind, indicated any stipulations for what you want the money to be used for, focusing on medical care at this time (note it on your check). You have the freedom to identify that you want the money to be used for a specific dog, and indicate his/her name. You can also consider requesting that funds donated be used for cremation/burial costs in certain circumstances, an orthopedic or “calming” bed, or whatever the organization indicates they truly “need” in the future. In short, you can direct your money to be used for specific needs other than “operating expenses.”

 On the Facebook page for this 501(c)(3) organization, it is noted that “We are a small group of individuals with a passion for the safety and well-being of animals. We work with local animal shelters, volunteer our time to walk the dogs and we help find them forever homes until there are No Pawz Left Behind.” Website is http://nopawzleftbehind.org/. Email address is nopawzleftbehind@gmail.com. Mailing address is: 1130 East Main Street, Suite 116, Ashland, OH 44805. Donations are tax-deductible.

 Use your own social media platforms to contact friends about this critical need, and ask them to consider making donations. I believe in the benefits of not relying on social media. Simply call your friends or send them a quick email message or letter.

What can be done now?

 Make suggestions about having a large-scale silent auction for items that are unique and draw in the community. These might include uniquely designed dog houses and mailboxes, assistive devices for disabled dogs to help them get around, paintings of dogs by local artists, baskets with unique items, uniquely designed t-shirts or sweatshirts, and so much more. This is just a starting-point for what might be considered.

Looking toward the future

Don’t stop with considering ideas for what can be done immediately. Think about what you might want to do – in terms of will designations, bequeaths, memorials to benefit No Pawz Left Behind. Forgive me for bringing up a topic that can be somewhat uncomfortable to think about.

Since April is National Poetry Month, please allow me to express myself more fluently using a poetic form:

A prized possession that I bequeath

I am approaching 80, and have grieved over the loss of my spouse and a few close friends

They shared their life stories, made their final wishes known, left no message left unsaid

So now, I do feel more alone, even isolated, and wonder what my legacy will be

My monetary assets will be passed along to a non-biological family member

Who has always been “there” for me, someone who I have counted on and trusted.

But I have an especially cherished possession –

I bequeath my 1979 Chevy Corvette – sleek, high-powered, white on the outside,

Maroon interior, close-to-the-ground, flawless – to No Pawz Left Behind

I do it in memory of my beloved dog, a cream-colored Maltese, LilyMae

When “Kari Corvette” is auctioned off,

Please use funds to cover medical care for those dogs who are in need

Who have been abused, left behind, harmed, who need help to survive and thrive

Offer comfort, serenity, hope, and love.

Please be sure to provide a warm and cozy blanket for each of these animals

(Maybe it’d be possible to have their names embroidered along the side of the blanket?!)

I have always found an especially strong connection with my pets who were anchors,

Constant and consistent supporters, loving and beloved, making every day special.

Now I bequeath “Kari Corvette” to No Pawz Left, Ashland, Ohio.

(DLS, 2024)

Closing comments

This is a call to action to help NO PAWZ LEFT BEHIND, to provide funding needed urgently and immediately. Thanks for your time and consideration. We can make a difference.

Diana Spore

Ashland, Ohio

Diana Spore, PhD, MGS, is a freelance writer, a social gerontologist, an older adult, who resides in Ashland County. She is not affiliated with NO PAWZ LEFT BEHIND, and is not being paid to write this piece.