|
|
EVENT BENEFICIARY
Checker's Story
The story of Checkers exemplifies the commitment and dedication of the PAWS volunteers, PAWS team,
friends and the many supporters who make it possible for PAWS to carry out their mission.
Checkers is a 13-year-old black Labrador who knows about love but also knows about loneliness,
abandonment, being caged and not wanted or loved.
Time had run out for Checkers in 2002. He was 12 years old, had outlived his original human
companion and was placed in a North County animal shelter. Because of his age he was slated
for euthanasia.
Even though adoption is not part of the PAWS mission, Checkers became a PAWS dog and began a
new life in a series of foster homes until a more permanent home could be found.
PAWS found a home for Checkers in February of 2003 with Randy, a former PAWS client. Randy was
a dentist and a second generation Air Force veteran who was terminally ill with HIV. Eighteen
months earlier Randy had to give up his two German Shepherds when he was hospitalized and not
expected to live. Randy did live but returned home to an empty house. He told PAWS that he
needed another companion animal if he was going to continue with his life.
In late December, Randy was again taken to Veterans Hospital and not expected to live. Checkers
was taken away as well by San Diego Animal Control. With the help of volunteers, PAWS was able
to take Checkers back home where he was cared for in familiar surroundings.
Randy passed away on January 14, one day after his 60th birthday. Once again, Checkers had
outlived his companion and was now 13 years old.
|
|
|
