Forever Changed by the Love of Foster Dogs

Longtime volunteer and donor Jane is a quiet hero. Not only has she been a volunteer at Humane Society Silicon Valley for over 28 years, she's fostered over 115 underage and underweight puppies. Her volunteerism has directly saved lives, but her financial commitment has also saved thousands of lives.

Jane's beloved dog, Blossom, is in HSSV's Guardianship Program, which means not only will Jane's support for HSSV continue for years to come, but Jane has also ensured that if anything should happen to her, Blossom will come into the care of HSSV so we can find her a new home. As a Guardianship Program member, Jane makes supportive annual gifts for our work, and has designated HSSV to be a beneficiary of her will to ensure her dollars continue to support the legacy of lifesaving that is so important to her. 

Over the past few years, Jane has also been making gifts to HSSV from her individual retirement account (IRA) rather than using the funds herself. In December 2015, Congress passed a law allowing people over 70 ½ years old to make tax-free gifts of up to $100,000 to charity directly from their IRA.

"Fostering dogs and puppies for HSSV is my saving grace," Jane says. "They bring my life purpose, pleasure, satisfaction and, most importantly, love. My annual IRA donation is my way of expressing thank you to the fosters who have shared my home and to the fosters yet to share my home. They are truly my inspiration."

Support What Matters to You

If you are interested in smart ways to support animals in need in your community, please visit our website or contact Bridget Keenan today at 408.942.3006 or bridget.keenan@hssv.org today.