Seeing HSSV in Action Filled Donors’ Hearts

In 2007, Deb and Bob Shaw visited Humane Society Silicon Valley's former Santa Clara shelter to face Deb's fear that animals were possibly being mistreated in animal shelters. What they saw was very different than the fear. The semi-retired Los Gatos couple were deeply touched to see the care and love animals received there and became involved from that moment forward. Then, when they visited HSSV's new Animal Community Center in Milpitas in 2018, they were blown away.

"It was a true, heartfelt mission," Deb says.

Always animal lovers, their love and appreciation for animals deepened after Deb survived three strokes starting in 2016. Their wire fox terriers, Scout and Harlow, were key to her recovery. "It's amazing what it does to your heart and soul to be able to have your pet in bed with you and stay there for a while," Deb says. "It really enriches the mind, soul and body to get better. It truly did for me."

When making decisions about their will, they decided to fund an endowment at HSSV with their planned gift. They wanted to create an endowment fund because HSSV is "always there for animals." And with their future endowment, designed to fund the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs, Deb and Bob will always be there for them, too.

"We thought, Where is our money going to go that means the most to us? It was important to us, leaving an endowment to HSSV," Deb says.

Philanthropically minded, Deb and Bob also recently launched their nonprofit Champion the Challenges, offering resources for stroke survivors and their families.

Give From the Heart

If you are interested in setting up a gift agreement for an endowment fund, please contact Bridget Keenan at 408.942.3006, or bridget.keenan@hssv.org.