Judy’s Legacy of Love Fund

Every now and then in the course of our work, we meet someone who is so passionate about animals, so loving, giving and compassionate that they live on long past their last breath.

For Columbus Dog Connection, one of those people is Judy, a devoted cheerleader, supporter, adopter and foster mom who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year.

Columbus Dog Connection will carry on her work through Judy's Legacy of Love Fund, which we’ve established to provide care for the senior, hospice, permanent and long-term dogs in our adoption program.

We met Judy in September 2005 when she adopted Ginger, a shy little terrier rescued from a busy and loud shelter. Little did we know at the time that this adoption would give us a lifelong friendship.

Judy was all about helping dogs. Soon after adopting Ginger, she became a foster mom, sheltering dozens of dogs through the years. She cried every time one left her home but quickly opened her doors and heart to the next one, each time making the new foster dog feel welcomed, loved, cared for, and special.

Judy took any dog we gave her, from a bouncing-off-the-walls cattle dog puppy to a senior hospice dog who had lived his whole life chained. And for those that were with her until they passed, she was there every minute of their journey. She was their only human, and they were family to her.

And her love was not only for her fosters, but every dog she ever met. But most of all, she dearly loved her personal dogs, Ginger and Macy, the shy terrier who followed Ginger.

Judy was an avid walker who believed each dog deserved to see the world, even if it was a block at a time. She would beam when anyone asked her about her foster dogs, telling them all about their progress and her gratitude that they were in her life.

Judy also volunteered at our office. She made our front yard prettier by planting flowers in the spring and cleaning, weeding, trimming and maintaining beds all summer. A few years ago, we surprised her by placing a small sign reading "Judy's Garden" in the flower bed at our entrance. It's a symbol of how much we meant to each other.

Judy was as honest and sincere as they came.If you were lucky enough to be loved by Judy, you knew that she would stand by your side and help with whatever life threw at you. Her love was unwavering.

Judy began having medical issues a few years ago, one after the other, but she never complained. She just wanted to get better so she could help us and the dogs. She was kind and thoughtful.

When she passed, it was peaceful, with her beloved Macy at her side.

We will miss Judy. But we will always remember her unconditional love.