Husband Keeps Wife’s Memory Alive by Gifting Orphan Pups.
Rancho Santa Fe (12/19/23) – This Wednesday, December 20th, a visitor is making some very special stops at shelters around San Diego, including Helen Woodward Animal Center. The trip is both a heartwarming reminder to orphan pups that they haven’t been forgotten and an honorary visit to fulfill the mission of Karen Cooper – a dog-lover who passed away this May. Cooper made an annual tradition of delivering toys and treats to orphan pets the week before Christmas and this year, her widowed husband is lovingly keeping the tradition alive.
Anyone who has truly bonded with a dog knows the mystical and healing energy these four-footed companions cast over our lives. Meant to comfort, bring joy and protect, canines may be the very definition of angels-on-earth. When these loving spirits are orphaned, however, who watches over them? Karen Cooper’s devotion to dogs began at an early age and her dedication to making sure that orphan dogs felt love and kindness is her living legacy.
When Karen passed away in May this year, husband Bob Cooper set up the charity The Angel of the Forgotten in her honor.
“Beyond contributing to countless charities, raising money for destroyed shelters, and helping dogs in every way that she could, each year she would do something very special,” wrote Bob. “Karen would fill up her vehicle with dog treats the week before Christmas, and deliver them to the local Humane Societies. Her goal was to ensure that on Christmas Day, as many dogs as possible would not be forgotten.”
This year, Bob Cooper is making sure that the good work of his wife continues. Helen Woodward Animal Center is a grateful recipient of the Cooper’s loving efforts and Center pups will be ready to greet and receive the over 100 toys and treats arriving on Wednesday morning, December 20th, at 9:15 a.m. The media is invited to this very special holiday event to see the spirit of the season in action.
“We are so touched to be part of this holiday kindness,” said Helen Woodward VP of Development Renee Resko. “The incredible love and devotion of Bob and Karen Cooper will make such a sweet mark on shelters across the city. I feel certain those pups will take that love into the forever homes they find in the new year.”
For more information on available orphan pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center, please contact the Adoptions Department at: 858-756-4117 ext. 1, or visit https://animalcenter.org/.
MEDIA INVITE: Please join us TOMORROW, Wednesday, December 20th at 9:15 a.m. at Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Adoption Lobby
VISUALS & INTERVIEWS:
- 5 X-Pens filled with playful orphan puppies waiting to receive the holiday toys.
- A Photo of Karen Cooper – Angel of the Forgotten – looking over the puppies receiving their holiday toys
- Helen Woodward Animal Center staff assisting with the distribution of toys.
- Bob Cooper available to answer questions about the donation.
- Helen Woodward PR Director Jessica Gercke available to talk about what the donation means to our pets.
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